High School Pitching Rules Question

DiamondDad316 · May 3, 2017

Entire game tonight the opposing pitcher would start with both feet touching rubber. During her pitching motion, she took a step back into a "track start" and then pushed off rubber. Is this legal? I thought in high school either both feet touching rubber or can start in the track position, but wasn't sure about this particular situation.

In the end didn't matter we won 8-2. Just curious though as we might see them in the playoffs.

Comocoach · May 3, 2017

This is legal in Missouri high school ball. And used quite often, even by TB pitchers who can't use it in anything but school ball.

CoachJD · May 4, 2017

From the NFHS rulebook: 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.

We faced a pitcher tonight who would step backward to start her delivery, but I couldn't remember specifically when she was allowed to do it, so I never brought it up to the umpires (Pretty sure it was after her hands were together though). Also, she walked 23 hitters and we won, so I was kind of OK with how she was pitching.

Comp · May 4, 2017

As long as she was stepping back before the hands came together she was legal.

MoparFin · May 4, 2017

I heard that they are possibly changing it for the '18 season that you cant step back anymore.

We played against a girl the other day that would bring her hands together, bring them towards her chest, slap her thigh, then separate and start her pitch. All really quick. It was annoying and I was only watching.

riseball · May 4, 2017

This varies from state to state. As stated in the NFHS rule book it is legal. Down here in Florida it is not for HS. Think it changed 2 years ago? Jake used to do this in HS and would get an extra 2 - 3 mph. Had no trouble going back and forth from HS and TB. Watched a HS game in North Dakota and was surprised they did not allow metal cleats. Then I saw the level of play and understood. In their defense you should see them play hockey!

Ajaywill · May 4, 2017

The NFHS rule book does allow for the step back prior to the hands coming together as has been mentioned.

NFHS also allows individual state associations to modify the rules as they see fit.

Florida has always been a state that works with the NFHS on "experimental" rules to see how they may work out. I believe Florida HS ball pitched from 43 feet for two years prior to the rule being implemented in the NFHS rule set.

I have also heard that one of the emphasis' of NFHS rules is participation in athletics as the HS level. Allowing the pitcher to step back makes it easier to pitch and encourages more participation.....At least that it was I have heard was the philosophy behind the rule.

quincy · May 4, 2017

I think it is a lot easier to pitch stepping back and am great with the existing rule, I hope they do not change it.

Could be wrong but Riseball's DD stepping back when allowed and not when not allowed is not what I have noticed. I have seen better pitchers have no step even when step is allowed.

NCASAUmp · May 4, 2017

quincy said:
I think it is a lot easier to pitch stepping back and am great with the existing rule, I hope they do not change it.

Could be wrong but Riseball's DD stepping back when allowed and not when not allowed is not what I have noticed. I have seen better pitchers have no step even when step is allowed.

Could be that they're coming from the travel ball side of things. Better coaching, better training...

quincy · May 4, 2017

Absolutely, that is why I am happy with them being allowed to step back in school ball.

High School Pitching Rules Question

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