NFHS Pitching Step Back Rule

Hawkeyes · Jul 26, 2017

We played in a tournament in Minnesota last weekend and it was the first time that i had seen a girl step back and pitch. It led to a discussion among us fans. How many states or governing bodies have adopted the step back rule for pitching?

I have not seen it in Iowa or any travel tournament this summer.

Comp · Jul 26, 2017

NFHS is the only rule set I am aware of that allows the step back or only 1 foot on the pitching plate. Some states use different rule sets for high school ball, such as NY uses USA rules with modifications. As I recall, while Florida uses NFHS they have a state rule that does not allow the step back. Any state using straight NFHS rules would allow the step back.

quincy · Jul 26, 2017

In IL, step back all you want in school ball.

MNDad · Jul 26, 2017

Watched DD coach at a 14U PGF tourney here where they allowed stepping back too. The umpires don't know PGF rules so they went to NFHS instead. In their defense PGF doesn't have much of a presence here.

Comp · Jul 26, 2017

MNDad said:
Watched DD coach at a 14U PGF tourney here where they allowed stepping back too. The umpires don't know PGF rules so they went to NFHS instead. In their defense PGF doesn't have much of a presence here.

PGF uses NFHS rules, but it does not allow the step back.

Softball scholar · Jul 26, 2017

In Indiana, we follow straight NFHS rules and the step back is allowed. My DD started stepping back this high school season (although not a big step). I guess she felt more comfortable. In her first travel game back this summer which was under USSSA rules, she got dinged by the umpire for stepping back. The opposing coach kept pointing it out. She said it felt a little awkward going back, but she made the adjustment pretty quick.

So what is the problem with the "Step Back" rule anyway? Of course the guys can do it. Maybe it gives them a little more momentum by stepping back, but is it a huge advantage?
I think the rules committee in the name of simplification needs to look at this one.

sbmom19 · Jul 26, 2017

They don't call illegal pitches anyway...

MNDad · Jul 26, 2017

Comp said:
PGF uses NFHS rules, but it does not allow the step back.

That's funny the TD didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

MightyMO · Jul 26, 2017

NFHS in MO with step back allowed. I've only seen a few girls take advantage of it and most of them weren't "high level" travel pitchers. Just high school pitchers looking to get any advantage they could.

Rocketech1 · Jul 27, 2017

Add California to the list that allows step back and the new NFHS rules this year allow you to step back anytime prior to starting the pitch. DD has been using it this year as she is not playing TB anymore and it feels more comfortable and natural starting position than both feet on the pitching plate.

NFHS Pitching Step Back Rule

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