Fast pitch softball consists of the pitcher tossing the ball at top speeds of 70 to 80 mph. Male and female teams are commonly featured in fast pitch softball leagues. The fast pitch softball rules are designed to ensure the batters remains safe while stepping up to home plate. Various umpires are positioned throughout the softball field to ensure the pitcher follows the fast pitch rules and regulations.
Fast Pitch Position
The pitcher must assume the proper position before starting the motions of the throw. According to the Official Fast Pitch Playing Rules, the pitcher must place his pivot foot onto the rubber plate in the center of the pitching mound to get into position. The pitcher may place his opposing foot behind the pitching plate while standing in the pitching position. However, the pitcher may not extend his foot more than 24 inches away from the plate. The pitcher must clutch the softball inside his glove with his pitching hand away from the ball before the throw can take place. The pitcher must line up his shoulders with third base and first base before attempting to throw the ball to the catcher.
Fast Pitch Motion
The Official Fast Pitch Playing Rules state that the initial motion of the fast pitch involves removing the ball from the glove. The pitcher may only take one step after removing the ball from the glove. The step must be in a forward direction towards the batter. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground throughout the motions of the fast pitch. The pitcher may slide his pivot foot across the ground while pushing off of the plate. The pitcher may not push off of any part of the pitching mound with the pivot foot besides the rubber plate. Techniques such as the crow hop, which involves jumping forward off of the pitching mound, are illegal in fast pitch softball.
Fast Pitch Release
The pitcher must release the ball in an underhanded motion to perform the proper fast pitch technique. The pitcher must release the ball with his pitching hand remaining lower than his hip. A pitcher may not perform more than one revolution with his pitching arm before releasing the ball. This illegal fast pitch softball technique is commonly referred to as a windmill pitch. The windup in fast pitch softball should be a fluid motion that does not stop until the ball has been successfully released from the pitcher's hand.
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