Foul Tip Meaning in Softball

A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the glove. The ball must travel directly into the hands of the catcher to count as a tip. If the ball hits the ground or the catcher’s mask first, it is a foul. A foul tip always counts as a strike for the batter in the box. The catcher catches a ball that barely grazed the bat of the swinging hitter. This specific action keeps the ball live, meaning runners can still try to steal bases. Unlike a regular foul ball, the game does not stop when a foul tip occurs. This rule requires the catcher to have very quick hands to secure the ball firmly. A tip is one of the hardest plays for an umpire to see clearly during a game.