In slow pitch softball, pitchers use underhand throws and release the ball below the hip. Pitchers generally utilize less strategy than in fast pitch, aiming mainly to deliver a hittable ball, advises Adam B. Hofstetter in "Softball: Rules, Tips, Strategy and Safety." In both softball types, the pitcher needs to deliver the ball through the strike zone, an imaginary rectangle above home plate. Several other rules apply for slow pitch softball.
Pitching Process
The pitcher is required to follow a preliminary process, called a stop. He takes a position with both feet on the ground and at least one foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. He must stop completely with the ball in front of his body, which needs to face the batter. He is required to pause for a full second in this position. The pitcher cannot make any pitching motion while in contact with the pitcher's plate. If the pitcher does not follow this procedure, it leads to a dead ball and the umpire calls an illegal pitch. The pitcher gets one warning. Repeating the offense causes the pitcher to be removed from the game, according to the Amateur Softball Association Umpire Rulebook.
Ball Release
The pitcher is not allowed to make any motion that simulates pitching without delivering the ball to the batter immediately, meaning no fake pitches allowed. The pitch needs to be a continuous motion, so a stop or reversal of motion is disallowed. The pitcher's pivot foot needs to stay in contact with the pitcher's plate until the ball leaves her hand, advises the United States Specialty Sports Association 2010 Official Slow Pitch Rulebook. A step with the other foot is allowed in any direction as long as the pivot foot maintains contact.
Distance
The pitching distance in slow pitch is 50 feet when adults play, as well as for teens ages 13 to 18. For kids ages 11 and 12, the distance is 46 feet, and for those age 10 and younger, it's 40 feet, according to "Softball: Steps to Success," by Diane L. Potter and Lynn V. Johnson.
Specifications
The pitcher uses an underhand motion to deliver the ball toward home plate. His palm is allowed to be either over or under the ball, according to the ASA Rulebook. The ball needs to have a perceptible arc and go at least six feet high. It also needs to stay lower than 12 feet. USSSA rules call for the ball to arc at least three feet when it's pitched but not more than 10 feet.
Pitches in softball are delivered at "moderate speed." The umpire judges whether the speed is proper or not, according to the ASA Rulebook. A pitcher who uses too much speed receives a warning. The pitcher has to leave the field for the rest of the game if he reoffends.
Banned Techniques
Pitchers are not allowed to pitch the ball between their legs or from behind their backs, according to the ASA Rulebook. The pitcher cannot throw the ball from her glove, either.
References
- United States Specialty Sports Association: 2010 Official Slow Pitch Rulebook and National By-Laws
- "Softball: Steps to Success;" Diane L. Potter, Lynn V. Johnson; 2007
- "Softball: Rules, Tips, Strategy and Safety;" Adam B. Hofstetter; 2007
- RCYS.net: Amateur Softball Association Umpire Rulebook; page 89-91
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