NCAA rule changes

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Jun 7, 2016
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Anyone care to comment on the rule changes to pitchers foot placement and how this may effect those of us helping DD to pitch?
 
Feb 17, 2014
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I don't think it should impact anything. Only college rules changed so you don't need to worry about them now.
 
May 29, 2015
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My best advice (that nobody listens to) is to get the rule book for the organizations you will be playing and familiarize yourself with the pitching section.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
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Dallas, Texas
The big change: Both feet no longer need to be in contact with the pitching rubber at the beginning of the pitch. Under the new rules, only the pivot foot has to be in contact with the rubber. The stride foot can be as far behind the rubber as the pitcher wants.

Thus, the NCAA adopted the NFHS pitching rule. I expect ASA and PGF to follow suit for 2020.
 
May 29, 2015
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That seems odd that NCAA would allow the stride foot behind the rubber when they are looking at the “taking a signal” rules because they feel pitchers are “walking” in to their pitches.

It essentially gives the pitcher a bigger “step/walk” into the pitch.

No real feeling on the rule change itself, I just find the two to be counter-productive to each other.
 
Jul 22, 2015
851
93
The big change: Both feet no longer need to be in contact with the pitching rubber at the beginning of the pitch. Under the new rules, only the pivot foot has to be in contact with the rubber. The stride foot can be as far behind the rubber as the pitcher wants.

Thus, the NCAA adopted the NFHS pitching rule. I expect ASA and PGF to follow suit for 2020.

Just to clarify this. Doesn't NFHS allow for a step backwards to start the motion? As I read the NCAA rule it seems that the stride foot CAN start off of the rubber but CANNOT step back. Is that correct or do I have one or both wrong?
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
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No, NFHS does not allow a step backwards to start the pitch. Important pieces highlighted in blue.

Rule 6 Pitching
SECTION 1 PITCHING REGULATIONS (F.P.)
ART. 1 . . . Prior to starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate. Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.

ART. 2 . . . About the Pitch:
a. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together.
b. Once the hands are brought together and are in motion, the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery. Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together. The step backward may end before or after the hands come together.

EXCEPTION: See Rule 6-1-1f2-When removing self from the pitcher’s position.

NOTE: “Toward” is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. (See Figure 6-1)
 
Jul 22, 2015
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Thank you! Seeing this I now realize that this rule is called incorrectly more often than not in our area. I knew the stride foot could be off but when I've questioned the step back I've been told it is legal in NFHS. Clearly not in most cases.
 
May 29, 2015
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113
It is often misinterpreted ... and now I just might blow your mind on what happens because it can appear the pitcher is starting with a step and it is legal.

The pitcher may step back, but must begin the step BEFORE bringing the hands together.

The hands may come together during the step.

The hands must remain together for at lest one second (not more than ten) and may be in motion (there does not have to be a still pause).

By definition, the pitch does not start until the hands come together or a motion that is part of the windup is started.

So ... by definition the pitcher cannot step backwards to start the pitch. However, it is possible for it to appear the pitcher is stepping back to start the pitch. The key is when the backward step starts and when the hands come together.
 

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