Are There Advantages To Pitching Softball In A Square?

In some cases, youth leagues may set up a square around the pitching rubber and not a circle. In competitive softball, there is no raised pitcher's mound. In most circumstances, the pitching rubber is in a circle. However, some youth leagues that set the pitching rubber inside a square. This is done to help the pitcher keep a staight forward motion.

Pitching Rules

While there may be deceptive appearances to pitching in the game of fastpitch softball -- the windmill motion appears to be deceptive to some newcomers -- the rules of the Amateur Softball Association of America prevent the pitcher from making any deceptive move with her pitching motion. This means that the pitcher may not step backward or to the side while she is in the process of delivering a pitch to home plate.

Pitching Square

The pitching square is designed to help youth pitchers remember to execute a pitch in a straightforward manner. With a circle around the pitching rubber, it is more difficult to tell if the pitcher is taking a step to the side as she delivers the ball to home plate. With a pitching square, the pitcher's stride foot will start out parallel to the outside lines of the square and end up parallel to the square. This is a learning tool for the pitcher and an administrative tool for the umpire.

Improper Advantage

Fastpitch softball pitchers can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70miles per hour. Hitting the softball takes a hard, fast swing. However, if the motion is not straight at the batter, it can upset the hitter's timing and make it even more difficult to hit. While pitching in a square would seemingly take this advantage away from the pitcher, it actually teaches her to pitch in the proper manner.

Injury Prevention

Pitching in a square assures that the pitcher will use the proper footwork when delivering the ball to home plate. If the pitcher steps backward or to the side when delivering, it puts major stress on the elbow and shoulders. This can lead to injuries. Pitching in a square can help pitchers avoid placing stress that can lead to arm injuries.