Fastpitch Softball Pitching Rules: Foot Placement & Legality

Question
Does the pitcher have to have one foot in contact when she releases the ball? I watched a game where the pitcher planted one foot, took her windup and actually jumped almost a foot from the rubber before releasing the ball. Is this legal?

Answer
Hi Gail,

In tha act of delivering the ball the pitcher must take 1 step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball.  The step must be forward and toward the batter.

Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground is required (women and JO).

She cannot "crow hop"

Some pitcher's steps are real powerful and it appears to be a jump when it is not.

The home plate umpire should be able to handle any illegal pitching.

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