Softball Windmill Pitch Rules

Jun 30, 2010 | By Steve Silverman

The windmill style of pitching is the predominant one used by hurlers in fast-pitch softball. The aggressive style allows pitcher to throw with maximum velocity, and also enables them to throw curves, risers, drops, and changes-of-pace. In order to throw a legal pitch with the windmill delivery, pitchers may not do anything umpires consider "deceptive" when throwing the ball toward home plate.

Prior to the Pitch

The pitcher must stand with both feet on the pitching rubber as she prepares to deliver the ball. When she takes the signal from the catcher, her pitching hand and her gloved hand must be separated. When she gets ready to pitch, both hands come together, and she must stop for a full second before starting her pitching motion.

Delivery

With the windmill delivery, the pitcher must make two revolutions with her arm prior to delivering the pitch. A third revolution, however, is considered deceptive, and makes the pitch illegal. The pitcher's step toward home plate must be straight ahead; she may not step to either side if she thinks it will help her deliver a pitch to the inside or outside corner of the plate. Stepping to either side is considered a deceptive motion, and any pitch delivered after such a step is illegal.

Pivot Foot

The pivot foot --- or push-off foot --- must remain in contact with the pitching rubber as long as the ball remains in the pitcher's hand. Once she releases the ball, she may step off the rubber, but that step must only be straight ahead toward home plate. She may not step in any other direction.

No Delays

After the pitcher releases the ball and the catcher catches it, the ball must be returned promptly to the pitcher. Once the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher or the umpire, she has 20 seconds to throw the next pitch. If the previous pitch has been put into play by the batter, the pitcher will have 20 seconds for her next delivery once the play has been declared over. The umpire will normally give the pitcher a signal to let her know when it is legal to pitch again.