fastpitch pitching stance

Question
I have understood the rule for the pitchers feet are both to start on the rubber. Do both feet have to make contact with the rubber prior to the delivery of the pitch?

Answer
Hello Curt

The rules of fastpitch clearly state that both feet must be in contact with the pitching rubber before the pitch begins. Technically, the push off foot must also remain in contact with the pitching rubber until the ball is finally released by the pitcher. This rule has been expanded to allow the pitcher to "drag" her push off foot away from the rubber. As long as the push off foot remains in contact with the ground, it is considered to "be in contact with the rubber". The push off foot can be lifted from the ground only after the ball has been released.