The various styles of pitching employed in softball mark one aspect that sets the game apart from its parent sport, baseball. Where baseball follows similar pitching rules and restrictions in most formats and levels, softball is divided into three categories: fast-, slow- and modified-pitch. There are also many different governing bodies that oversee the sport throughout the world, each of which may follow slightly different rules regarding the delivery of the ball.
Pitcher Position
Most softball associations have similar restrictions regarding the pitcher's position before the pitch. The pivot foot of the pitcher must be planted on the pitching plate, or rubber, prior to delivery. The other foot has more freedom, depending on the rule set. In the rules set forth by the United States Specialty Sports Association, the non-pivot foot must be parallel to or behind the rubber. International softball rules have fewer limits and allow the pitcher to place her foot in front of the rubber.
Arm Movement
The movement of the pitcher's arm during delivery depends upon the style of softball that is being played. In fast- and modified-pitch softball, the pitcher may make a single windmill revolution with her arm before releasing the ball underhand. Slow-pitch rules state that the pitcher cannot make a full revolution with her arm during a delivery. Depending on the governing body, a pitcher must start her pitching movement between two and 20 seconds after taking the signal to play ball from the umpire.
Speed Limit
The speed of a delivery is limited by the format of the game and is largely subjective. While there are no set limits for fast-pitch softball, the other two formats restrict the ball to a "moderate" or "slow" speed, which the umpire overseeing the game determines. In slow-pitch games, this is generally not an issue, because the ball must be delivered so that it describes a 6-foot arc between the pitcher and home plate . Modified-pitch games, however, require a team to understand the subjective speed limit of the referee while delivering.
Post-Pitch Movement
As the ball is released, the pitcher may only push off of the mound from the rubber with her pivot foot. If she steps forward then pushes off from the rubber with the pivot foot ahead of the pitcher's plate, it is considered a "crow hop" and the pitch is illegal. Once the ball is legally released by the pitcher, she may assume any defensive position she chooses.
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