The backswing; Does it add speed?

[X pitcher]

So if a pitcher is jumping and dragging to the chalk with their front planted foot they are releasing the ball 33 1/2 feet ~ from home plate. That's close and no time for much movement.

 

[chinamigarden]

What year is this video from? 2-3 three years ago? Look at the Mizzlou FB page for recent pictures. And the circle is only 4 feet in front of the rubber not 8 feet. The shorter stride is for the benefit of her Peel Drop. She comes off the rubber with ball in glove now a days. She jumps and drags. Some step and drag. She rocks and fires. She is the best.JMHO This video is old, I'd say. It's from her big twelve days, from looking closer.

the circle is only 4 feet in front of the rubber?

 

[chinamigarden]

The center of the circle is 18" in front of the rubber

In womens softball? I was always under the impression it was from the center of the rubber. I have lined the field 100 times and have watched it done 1000 and everytime it was from the center of the rubber.

 

[Ken B]

The radius is 8 feet.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Haha. But, what is the circumference?

 

[Ken B]

ywywywtwrtwt

jjdjddhdhhdg23?

 

[Jojo]

50.24 Using our dear friend Pi.

 

[sluggers]

Be careful talking math around here...you might get a pi in the face.

 

[halskinner]

Be careful talking math around here...you might get a pi in the face.

As long as it's pecan and I have time to open my mouth.

 

[X pitcher]

I read the NCAA says the center of the 8' circle around the rubber is 15" in front of the back of the 6" rubber or 9" in front of the front of the rubber. No big deal. I just don't think there is a good reason to use the back arm swing, but 70% or more of today's pitchers can't be wrong. Or could they? I think the way Chelsea Thomas and Ivy Renfroe throw is the best way.