Rules and regulations for softball pitching can vary depending on the league and skill level of participants. However, the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), the governing body for most amateur softball competitions, established pitching regulations to ensure an even playing field and fair competition for all participants. In girls' fast-pitch softball, pitchers often violate the regulations due to improper technique. Umpires record illegal pitches as a ball and advance all base runners one base.
Crow Hopping
Established to prevent the pitcher from gaining an unfair advantage, the crow hop rule prohibits pitchers from replanting their pivot foot. In a proper throwing motion, the pitcher's back foot remains in contact with the pitching plate. This back pivot foot provides the push to generate power toward home plate. In a crow hop, the pitcher removes her pivot foot from the pitching plate and replants it, illegally shortening the distance to home plate. This subtle maneuver reduces the potential reaction time for hitters. Not only does it provide an unfair competitive advantage, crow hopping may also lead to greater risk of injury.
Leaping
Much like crow hopping, leaping gives the pitcher an unfair advantage over batters by cutting the distance to home plate. Leaping occurs when the pitcher pushes off the pitching plate and goes airborne, with both feet leaving the ground at the same time. The pitcher's back pivot foot may leave the pitching plate, but must drag along the ground. The moment the back foot leaves the ground, leaping may be called.
Quick Pitch
Softball pitchers must wait for the batter to be ready, and deliver the ball with a true windup. Pitchers must take one step and throw the ball with an underhand motion, releasing the pitch below the hip. Attempting to quick-pitch the batter results in a no-pitch, meaning the pitch doesn't count and must be replayed.
Side Stepping
A more subtle pitching violation, side stepping occurs when the pitcher places her front foot outside the width of the pitching plate, which measures 24 inches in length. Many softball pitchers will step somewhat to the side during their natural pitching motion, to get more twisting and rotational force from the trunk. Such a delivery remains within the rules provided the front foot stays within the width of the pitching plate. Allowing pitchers to step too wide can result in the ball coming toward home plate at unfair angles, increasing the risk of hit batters and greatly reducing the batter's chances of putting the ball in play.
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