| When an umpire calls a strike zone, his or her perception of that zone is the only one that is relevant. What a player or a coach thinks of that strike zone may be different, but it is up to the teams to adjust. The same is true for a safe or out call. |
Aside from the difference in perception between umpire and player or coach, there are a couple of different plays in softball that are seen as good for both teams: the foul tip and advancing the runner. These two plays really represent a good compromise where it isn’t the best result for either team, but both can see a benefit.
When a foul tip comes as the first or second strike in a game, both teams see it as a positive. The pitcher is one step closer to getting the batter out, and the hitter now has a range on the ball. Both teams get an outcome that they want without either team really being hurt by the play.
When a runner is advanced on the first out of the game, it is also a win-win situation as long as the runner does not score. The team on offense gets closer to scoring without having the next out be the end of the inning. The team on defense gets closer to getting out of the inning without a score.