How A Pitcher Stands In Slow-pitch Softball

Slow-pitch softball is a game that usually features a lot of hitting and a number of home runs. Pitchers might seem to be merely extra infielders whose main job is to get the ball over the plate so it can be put into play; however, clever pitchers can place the ball in a position that makes it somewhat difficult for the batter to hit.

From the Rubber

In slow-pitch softball, the pitcher must be touching the rubber when he starts his motion. The pitcher must have one foot on the rubber -- technically called the pitching plate -- when starting his motion and must continue to have one foot on the rubber until the ball is released from his hand. The pitcher's rubber is 50 feet from home plate in slow-pitch softball.

Footwork

In baseball or fast-pitch softball, the pitcher must step directly toward home plate when releasing the ball toward home plate, but in slow-pitch softball, the pitcher can step in any direction. She can step left, right, forward or backward. The other foot must remain in contact with the rubber. Most pitchers step forward when releasing the ball, but stepping toward first or third can be quite deceptive to the batter. This can throw the batter's timing off and make it more difficult to hit squarely.

Starting Position

The rules state that the pitcher must have one foot on the pitching rubber until the ball is released, but the pitcher does not have to stand on the rubber while taking signals from the catcher or preparing to pitch. The pitcher can stand anywhere in the pitching circle until she is ready to start her motion. At that point she must move to the rubber.

Chicago-Style Softball

Chicago-style slow-pitch softball uses a 16-inch softball instead of the standard 12-inch softball. Fielders do not use gloves and pitchers often have a unique way of delivering the ball. Instead of standing on the rubber, Chicago-style softball pitchers may take a step in any direction before they windup and deliver the ball. The pitcher has to be only within one foot of the pitching rubber before he delivers the pitch to home plate.