Contact with pitching rubber at release

Question
I have a question about rules regarding contact with the pitching rubber at with the release of a pitch in baseball and softball. In baseball it was my understanding that pivot foot has to be in contact with the pitching rubber until the ball is released, is that correct? Now in softball it doesn't seem to be the case as pitchers clearly thrust off the mound to the power position well in front of the rubber well prior to release of pitch as long as they drag the pivot foot to keep one foot one the ground. My question in a rather long winded fashion is it required in baseball and/or softball to keep a foot in contact with the pitching rubber until the pitch is released?

Answer

Good question.  In both baseball and softball, the pivot foot must start in contact with the pitching rubber.  In neither does that foot need to remain in contact with the rubber until the release of the pitch.

In girl's and youth softball, the pivot foot must remain in contact with the GROUND and drag until the non-pivot foot touches the ground (ASA rule 6: section 3I).  

NOTE: In men's fastpitch, the LEAP (both feet leave the ground, pitch is released when contact with front or both feet touch the ground)is LEGAL. Crow-hopping (both feet leave the ground, PIVOT foot replants and pushes off) is illegal in both men's and women's fastpitch softball.

I remember when they (ASA)tried to change the men's rule to the same as the women's rule, but no one paid attention to it so they reverted back to making the LEAP legal in men's fastpitch(only).

If you view pictures of baseball pitchers, you will see the same thing.  When the non-pivot foot touches the ground, the pivot foot can come off the ground.

Bottom line: No, it is not required in either sport to keep the pivot foot in contact with the ground until the release of the ball.



Hope this answers helps--

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