batting

Batting is the act of facing a pitched ball with a bat to score runs or achieve a dismissal outcome. The term is used in bat-and-ball sports such as baseball and softball, and cricket, where rules, equipment, and scoring differ significantly.

In baseball and softball, the batter stands in the batter's box and attempts to hit pitches delivered by the pitcher. A player's turn at bat is counted as a plate appearance or an at-bat. Batting statistics include the batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Strategy focuses on timing, pitch selection, contact quality, and power, with roles such as leadoff hitter and designated hitter in some leagues.

In cricket, batting involves two players at the crease who score runs by running between wickets or by hitting the ball to the boundary. An innings ends when ten wickets fall or a set number of overs are completed. Scoring includes runs from running and boundaries worth four or six. Batting technique emphasizes grip, stance, footwork, and shot selection. Dismissals may occur by bowled, caught, leg before wicket, run out, or stumped. The equipment includes a bat of willow, pads, gloves, and a helmet; batters may be called batsmen or batters.

The term batting also appears in other bat-and-ball games with local rules, but the core idea remains the same: to score by striking the ball while preventing the opposing team from dismissing the striker.