New rules everyone

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Jun 22, 2008
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I wouldnt hold my breath, NFHS has considered in the past doing away with the only 1 foot requirement to bring themselves in line with all the other rule sets but chose to keep the 1 foot rule to make it easier for less experienced pitchers to pitch. USSSA used to also allow only 1 foot, but changed to align themselves with the other softball sanctions.
 
Aug 21, 2008
2,359
113
Can someone explain what all of this means?

Basically Jday, the pitcher only needs to keep one foot on the rubber to start the pitch. It used to be 2 feet had to be in contact when starting.

When the pitchers adjust to this, it will be huge and very helpful to pitchers who will obtain tons and tons more momentum and weight transfer for their push, leap, jump, (choose your word) towards home plate.

When I first started pitching, I only used 1 foot on the rubber. It wasn't until I began pitching internationally that I had to "re-learn" how to pitch with 2 feet in contact with the rubber, not allowed to step back and get my full body momentum the way I initially learned. Please don't take this wrong and arrogant but, those of you who've never pitched softball before cannot fathom the difference between starting with 1 foot on the rubber vs. 2 feet. It truly is THAT different when used to it's full capacity.

Not to mention, the ISF/WBSC allows the pitcher to leap airborne too.

Bill
 
Aug 21, 2008
2,359
113
Crystal, the pic you showed is a slippery slope. Obviously there will be people jumping up and down crying foul and illegal. But, she obviously started with her heel in contact with front of the rubber. Following the SPIRIT of the rule, as long as she doesn't slide her foot forward during her motion, most umps won't call this illegal. If she was to pick the ball of her foot up and inch it forward, then BANG... illegal pitch. But, This is how a large majority of pitchers throw at the international level: heel on the front, toes on the back of the rubber. And it's not called unless there is a step forward, which is essentially a crow hop without going airborne.

Bill
 
Jun 19, 2014
846
43
Raleigh,NC
Since I am not familiar with WBSC rule book, decided to look it up. Here is what the current rules says:g. Both feet must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate before the start of the pitch.
h. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times before the forward
drag, leap or hop.
i. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher may take one step with the leading, non-pivot foot
simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter and
within the 61.0cm (24 in) length of the pitcher's plate.
NOTE: (h-i) It is not a step if the pitcher slides either foot across the pitcher's plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate and there is no movement backwards off the plate. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate, creating a rocking motion, is an illegal act.
j. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate, or push off and drag away from
the pitcher’s plate or be airborne prior to the stepping (non-pivot) foot touching the ground.
NOTE: The pitcher may leap, from the pitcher’s plate, land and, with a continuous motion, deliver the ball to the plate. The pivot may push off and/or follow through with his continuous action. This is not considered a Crow Hop.
k.: It is legal to drag, leap or hop and then land and throw as long as the original push starts from the pitcher’s plate. It is not legal to step off with the pivot foot and then drag, leap or hop and throw.
 
Last edited:
Jun 19, 2014
846
43
Raleigh,NC
USSSA softball rule book(just went with USSSA because I am more familiar with their rules and regulations):The pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
NOTE 1: It is not a step if the pitcher slides their foot in any direction on the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained.
NOTE 2: Techniques such as the “crow hop” and “the leap” are illegal.
NOTE 3: If a hole has been created in front of the pitcher’s plate, the
pivot foot may be no higher than the level plane of the ground.
 
Last edited:
Aug 21, 2008
2,359
113
Crystal, I know what the WBSC rule is.... I've had the privilege to pitch in multiple events. And maybe this falls into the category that so many get upset about regarding illegal pitching but, I can tell you what you see in that pic is never called at the events. As long as it doesn't slide forward.

That is why this new rule is so monumental. Now one foot will have to stay in contact but allowing the step back will prevent things like you see in this picture you posted.

I think you could find pics of Finch, and others doing it too. Maybe even one of your's truly doing it. oops!!!! In the words of WWE hall of famer Bobby the Brain Henein...."Win if you can, lose if you have to but always, always CHEAT!". ha ha ha. Relax all, I'm kidding and adding some humor.

Bill
 
Jun 19, 2014
846
43
Raleigh,NC
Crystal, I know what the WBSC rule is.... I've had the privilege to pitch in multiple events. And maybe this falls into the category that so many get upset about regarding illegal pitching but, I can tell you what you see in that pic is never called at the events. As long as it doesn't slide forward.

That is why this new rule is so monumental. Now one foot will have to stay in contact but allowing the step back will prevent things like you see in this picture you posted.

I think you could find pics of Finch, and others doing it too. Maybe even one of your's truly doing it. oops!!!! In the words of WWE hall of famer Bobby the Brain Henein...."Win if you can, lose if you have to but always, always CHEAT!". ha ha ha. Relax all, I'm kidding and adding some humor.

Bill
I was posting the current rules for people like myself who didn't know them....I didn't mean to offend. The USSSA rule was posted for people who were more familiar with their rules to be able to view the comparisons.
I do believe the way the current rules are written is open to interpretation....just my humble opinion.
 

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