Pitching is one of the aspects of softball that most differentiates it from its sister sport of baseball. Pitching rules regulate what a pitcher can and cannot do while on the mound and when releasing the ball. Understanding the rules of pitching in softball is essential to being an effective pitcher, coach or manager. Pitching rules also vary depending on the different types of softball.
Fast Pitch
In fast pitch, the pitcher must line up on the pitching plate---commonly known as the rubber---with her shoulders aligned with first and third bases. She is required by rule to touch the ball with both hands---or one hand and the glove---at the same time for at least 1 second, but no longer than 10 seconds, before releasing the ball. According to the rule, the pitch officially starts when the player takes one hand off the ball after having both hands on the ball during the pre-pitch. The pitcher must step forward with the lead foot, which cannot move outside the width of the 24-inch pitcher's rubber. The other foot, known as the pivot foot, must remain on the ground, but may be slid or drug toward home plate.
Modified Fast Pitch
In modified fast pitch, all of the same requirements exist for the pre-pitch. The specific delivery of the ball is slightly modified. A full rotation, or windmill, of the arm is not allowed by rule in modified fast pitch. As the ball is delivered, the hand must be below the hip, although the hand may be palm-down as the ball is released, unlike fast pitch softball.
Slow Pitch
Unlike fast and modified fast pitch softball, the rules of slow pitch require the pitcher to release the ball on an arc at a moderate speed, which is up to the interpretation of the umpire. The umpire shall issue a warning to the pitcher if he judges the pitch to be at an excessive speed. The pivot foot must also keep contact with the pitcher's rubber at all times until the ball is released. The arc of the pitch must reach at least 6 feet from the ground but may not exceed 12 feet. The pitch must also be delivered in an underhand motion, with the palm facing up. Pitchers may not repeat or continue the pitching motion after the ball is released, in order to allow the batter to focus on the ball without distraction.
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