In Little League softball, pitchers are starting to learn the intricacies of the sport. Pitchers are beginning to learn the nuances behind the windmill delivery and may be starting to throw drops, risers and changeups along with a strong fastball. Pitchers tend to dominate softball, particularly when they develop a strong fastball. Pitchers also must follow strict rules, including those at the youth league level.
Pitching Motion
In Little League softball pitching, girls must start their pitching motion from the rubber. The rubber is a slab in the middle of the pitching circle. Little League pitchers may only step straight toward home plate during the delivery of the pitch. The pitcher may not step to the side because the rules of the game declare that to be a deceptive motion. The pitcher may take a step forward as she delivers the pitch, but she must finish her motion within the pitcher's circle.
Pitching Frequency
In Little League softball, pitchers face limitations on the number of innings they may pitch in a calendar week. If a pitcher throws six innings in a game, she may not pitch for three more calendar days. So, if the pitcher throws six innings on Sunday, she may not pitch again until Thursday. If she throws four or five innings, she may not pitch for two calendar days. If she throws two or three innings, she may not pitch for one day. If she pitches one inning, she may pitch the next day.
No Speeding Up Deliveries
The pitcher may not try to "quick-pitch" the batter. The pitcher may only pitch the ball once she has gotten the signal from the umpire to pitch. This will come at the start of most batters' plate appearances. If the batter steps out of the box with the umpire's permission--usually after a hard swing, foul ball or to talk with the third-base coach--she is given a chance to re-establish her position in the batter's box. The pitcher cannot throw the ball when the batter steps back into the box. She must wait for a signal from the umpire to pitch again in Little League softball.
Pitching Motion
The windmill style is an acceptable form of pitching in Little League softball. However, there are restrictions. The pitcher may make a complete revolution with her arm once she starts her pitching motion. However, she may not continue her motion once she releases the ball. After following through with the pitch her arm may reach no higher than shoulder level. However, she may not make another circle with her arm because that is considered deceptive to the hitter.
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