Softball can be played at a highly competitive fast-pitch level or at a recreational level when friends or co-workers get together to play the slow-pitch version of the game. While the two games have many differences, both games focus on the pitcher and the delivery of the ball to home plate with an underhand motion.
Fast Pitch Delivery
The pitcher must stand on the pitching rubber within the pitching circle as she prepares to deliver the ball to home plate, which is 43 feet away. The pitcher may make a full revolution with her arm, and the windmill delivery is acceptable. However, the ball must be delivered before a second revolution is made, and the pitch must be made with an underhand delivery, according to the Amateur Softball Association of America.
Slow Pitch Delivery
Slow pitch softball pitchers can bring the ball back to shoulder height and can follow through to the top of the shoulder. However, slow pitch pitchers may not make a full revolution when delivering the ball to home plate. Most slow pitch leagues have an arc limit of 10 feet on the underhand delivery that is required, although some leagues play a 12-foot arc or unlimited arc. Slow-pitch pitchers throw from a pitching rubber that is 43 feet from home plate.
NFHS and NCAA Softball
All fast pitch softball competitions that are under the aegis of the National Federation of High Schools and the NCAA require pitchers to throw the ball toward home plate with an underhand delivery. Both organizations require the delivery to be made in a straight-forward and non-deceptive manner. Pitchers may not step backward or to the side when delivering the ball to home plate. This is viewed as deceptive and will be ruled a deceptive pitch.
USSSA Softball
The U.S. Specialty Sports Association offers an overhand softball pitching league that is a cross between slow pitch softball and baseball. The pitching distance is 60 feet 6 inches, the same as professional baseball. Bases are 75 feet apart and all fences are at least 250 feet away. All pitches must be delivered with an overhand delivery, but pitchers must throw the ball at a "slow" pace in order to be legal.
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