Slo-Pitch Softball Glossary

A recreational variation of softball where each batter receives only three pitches. If they fail to hit the ball into play within those pitches, they’re out. 3-Pitch is designed for casual and socia...

A 5-man defense in slo-pitch softball refers to a defensive alignment where a fifth infielder, often called the “middle infielder” or “5th man,” is added. This player typically positions themselves be...

The 6 to 12 rule in slo-pitch softball refers to the allowed arc height range of a legal pitch. The ball must reach a minimum height of 6 feet and a maximum height of 12 feet above the ground during i...

The guidelines for how runners move around the bases—advancing on hits, walks, errors, stolen bases, or balks, while being put out if tagged, forced, or caught off base. Special rules, like tagging up...

Definition: An appeal play is a situation where the defensive team formally notifies the umpire that a runner has missed a base, left early on a caught fly ball, or committed a rule violation that the...

A batting appearance that counts toward a player’s stats, excluding walks, sacrifice fly balls, or hit-by-pitches. At-bats are used to calculate batting averages and other offensive stats.

Definition: An out charged without a play being made. Often occurs when a team violates batting order or coed lineup requirements. Rule/Context Note: SPN coed formats can assign automatic outs when...

A backspin pitch in slo-pitch softball is a pitching technique where the pitcher applies backward spin to the ball as it is released. This creates a slower descent and can make the ball more difficult...

A balanced bat distributes its weight evenly along the entire length of the bat, providing a more controlled and quicker swing. It is ideal for players seeking better bat speed and precision.

A balk in baseball is an illegal motion by the pitcher, usually meant to deceive a base runner, that results in all runners being awarded one base. Common balks include starting a pitching motion with...