Softball Pitching Rules
The different softball pitching rules are explained in the following article. Information regarding violations of practices of this sport presented below should also prove to be useful.
Pitching Rules for Softball
The different rules for softball pitching are explained in the paragraphs below. The conditions which lead to a foul/illegal delivery also are explained through points mentioned in this article.
Correct Pitching
There are few softball rules and regulations which need to be followed so that the delivery of the ball by the pitcher is counted as correct/legal. Here is a list of these rules.
- Starting position of the pitcher should be such that both the feet are on the pitcher's plate/mound (a rubber plate).
- The ball can be thrown by stepping ahead; any one of the leg can be put forward.
- The ball has to be thrown by means of an underhand action. At the time of release of ball, the hand should be below the pitcher's hip level. The ball has to be delivered with a straightforward motion.
- When the ball is released from the hand, wrist should be positioned close to the body. To make it easy to understand, distance between the wrist and body should not be greater than the length of our forearm.
- A crafty ball after being released from the hands of its pitcher, creates an arc while it approaches the batter. For a slow pitched softball, the arc can be of 6-12 feet; in a fast pitch softball, there are no such restrictions.
- Putting hands together after being separated for throwing is banned; it is necessary to complete the throw after the hands are separated.
- The pitcher may rotate his hand before releasing the ball to generate speed. The number of rotations should however, not be greater than two.
- Any kind of foreign substance including vaseline, grease, etc. should not be applied to the ball for availing undue advantage.
- Raisin bag can be used for drying the hand. However, if the resin sticks to the ball, the delivery is not considered legal.
- At the time when pitcher delivers the ball, all fielders have to stay in the fair territory. The only exception is that of the catcher. If any of the fielder is out of the fair territory, the ball is considered illegal.
Understanding what not to do while pitching the softball is equally important as what to do while pitching it. There are certain moves that are considered illegal in pitching. Such moves are explained below.
Leaping
It is one of the moves which needs to be avoided in softball. The simple definition of leaping in basketball is the condition in which both feet of the pitcher are in the air at the same time.
Crow-hopping
In this move, both feet of the pitcher are dragged off the plate. Replanting of one of the feet takes place in order to derive advantage by means of second push-off. The pitcher gets undue advantage as this enables him in releasing the ball at a greater speed with this kind of action. It is also possible to deceive the batter by changing the pace of the ball.
Stepping
The act of side-stepping, just like leaping is not allowed at the time of pitching the ball. The pitcher, who is about to release the ball, balances his weight in on one foot and moves the other (which is not grounded) forward. It is necessary to keep the foot well-within the pitcher plate's range; the range of pitcher plate is 24 inch. The pitcher is not allowed to step out of this range.
The softball pitching rules and regulations presented in the article give us a fair idea about how a softball can be pitched. One should understand these rules beforehand and then master the pitching skills so that each delivery is counted as fair and legal. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should go soft on the batter and make it easy for him. Put all you have in each delivery and make him earn his hits as well as joy.
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