Softball Terminology Flashcards

Softball Terminology Overview

• Double Play: Two players are put out in one play, often increasing defensive efficiency.
• Sacrifice Bunt: Bunting specifically to advance a baserunner while risking the batter being out.
• Sacrifice Fly: A fly ball hit deep enough for a runner on third base to tag up and score after the catch.
• Squeeze Bunt: A strategic bunt with a runner on third base, where the batter sacrifices their chance to reach first in order to allow the runner to score.
• Safety Squeeze Bunt: Runner waits for the batter to make contact before advancing, ensuring less risk of being thrown out at home.
• Suicide Squeeze Bunt: Runner attempts to steal home immediately as the pitch is released; failure to contact the ball could lead to an out.

Situational Plays and Tactics

• Dropped Third Strike: If the catcher fails to catch the third strike and first base is unoccupied or there are two outs, the batter can run to first.
• Infield Fly: A fair fly ball that should be caught by an infielder with average effort when runners are on base and less than two outs.
• Force Out: An out made by a fielder touching a base before a forced runner arrives; essential for maintaining defensive pressure.
• Tag Play: Requires a runner to be physically tagged with the ball to be called out, often complicated by strategic base running.
• Defensive Shift: Re-alignment of players in the field to increase chances of fielding a hit based on anticipated batted ball direction.
• Slap Hit: A technique used mainly by left-handed hitters to strike the ball with a short, controlled motion, distinguishing it from a bunt.

Offensive Strategies

• Hit & Run: A dynamic strategy involving a baserunner stealing a base while the batter attempts to hit, aiming to exploit defensive positioning.
• Bunt & Run: Similar to hit & run, but the batter bunts the ball instead of swinging, seeking to advance runners.

Base Running Techniques

• Delayed Steal: Stealing a base with a calculated wait until after a pitch or while the catcher is distracted.
• Rundown (Pickle): When a baserunner is caught between two bases, creating a scenario where the runner risks being tagged out.
• Intentional Walk: A tactical decision to issue a walk on purpose to avoid pitching to a strong hitter.

Miscellaneous Concepts

• Earned Run: A run scored not due to errors by the defensive team, important for evaluating pitcher performance.
• Error: A statistic for defensive misplays allowing runners to advance; impacts team credibility.
• Fielder's Choice: Defensive strategy where a player opts to put out a preceding runner instead of the batter, influencing defensive outcomes.
• Passed Ball: A pitch that should have been caught by the catcher but wasn’t, allowing baserunners to advance.

Substitution and Player Roles

• Pinch Hitter: A player substituted into the game to hit; counts against the team's substitution limit.
• Pinch Runner: A substitute who runs for another player, specifically not using a team substitution charge.
• Designated Player (DP): A special player role who bats for another player in the lineup without changing their defensive role.
• Re-entry: Allowed return of a substituted player, limited to one time per game.

Leading and Positioning

• Base Leads:
  • First Base Lead-Off: Generally three steps straight from the base, creating distance for better chances to steal.
  • Second Base Lead-Off: 5-7 steps from the base, ready for strategic advancement on hits.
  • Third Base Lead: A cautious lead allowing for quick decisions on scoring opportunities while avoiding direct threats.

Additional Plays and Situations

• Crow Hop: A technique used by players to gain momentum and enhance throwing strength.
• Relay/Cut-off: A coordinated throw strategy by a relay player to direct the ball to the optimal target base.
• Pitch Out: An intentional pitch thrown high and outside to prevent offensive strategies like stolen bases or hit-and-runs.