Rules for softball pitchers differs between boys and girls softball, and Little League and adult league softball. Softball pitching is also very different from baseball pitching, and therefore has a completely different set of governing rules. As Little League players tend to change positions each inning, it is important that all players understand the rules governing pitching.
Pitch
Unlike baseball pitching, all softballs must be pitched underhand. In girl's Little League, pitchers may not make deceptive movements, such as feigning a pitch or performing a faux wind-up. Additionally, while pitchers may make a forward stride when they deliver a pitch, both of the player's feet may not leave the ground. In other words, Little League female pitchers may not leap off the ground during a pitch.
Mound
Softball fields are smaller than baseball fields, and Little League fields are even smaller. In a typical Little League softball field, each base should be 60 feet apart. The pitcher's mound is in the center of the four bases, and sits 40 feet from home plate. Additionally, the Little League softball mound is flat, unlike the raised baseball pitching mound. Despite a flat pitching surface, the area around the pitcher is still referred to as the mound in girl's Little League softball.
Balls and Strikes
The Little League pitcher will attempt to throw the ball through the batter's strike zone. The strike zone is a square defined defined by four hypothetical lines: a line perpendicular to the ground extending from the edge of the base closest to the batter; a line parallel to the ground extending from the halfway point between the batter's shoulders and pant waistline; a line perpendicular to the ground extending from the edge of the base furthest from the batter; and a line parallel to the ground extending from the batter's knees. Balls thrown in this zone and balls thrown outside this zone and missed by the batter are strikes. Pitching three strikes gives the batter an out. Balls thrown outside of the strike zone that are not swung at by the batter are called balls. Four balls permits the batter to walk freely to first base.
Restrictions
For the health and safety of players, female Little League pitchers are restricted by the number of innings they may pitch in a week. Every player in Little League may pitch no more than 30 innings in any given week. These innings do not carry over. In other words, if a pitcher pitches only 25 innings in one week, they are still limited to 30 innings in the next week. Additionally, a Major Division Little League player may pitch only 18 innings in the Major Division per week. If a player plays on both the Junior and Major Divisions, the innings pitched in each division are cumulative.
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