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Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
I would think that the term "running start" may be a bit exaggerated as some invision it, but the movement of the approaching pitcher is probably meant to be more of a distraction then improving the pitch itself.
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Of course, the "running start" is going to have to be within the confines of the pitching circle. But that will still be a 2-step-and-throw process, at least. That's about the extent of the drill many pitchers use to emphasize momentum.
Unquestionably, their velocity will go up significantly doing this. This will largely be negated by the greater pitching distance; so, in that regard, I consider it a wash.
Coaches will want their pitchers to take full advantage of this and any pitcher that does not will be left behind. The fallout of this will be that pitchers
will have to adjust their style. Pitching from a stationary position will be thing of the past.
Adapting will essentially be
mandatory if a pitcher is going to progress to higher levels. The notion that the pitchers will be free to employ whatever technique they desire is naive. This kind of latitude extended toward the pitcher will simply set a new standard in pitching mechanics. You can take
that to the bank!
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I don't think it is that big a deal. You will find engineers on the mound erecting small mountains which they will use as a starting point, just as you find in the batter's box.
Then she can fill it in as they presently do.
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The way it is now, pitchers all understand that a hole will develop in front of the pitching plate (common for
both of them) and, to a lesser degree, a hole will also develop in the area where their stride foot falls. (That may vary depending on the pitcher's leg and stride length - but it usually is similar and seldom poses a problem.)
You're probably right - it won't be that big of a deal. But if a pitcher insists on pitching from a stationary position, she is definitely going to be doing some serious landscaping - much to the chagrin of the step-and-throw pitcher.
You say they can fill it in. That doesn't work very well because it is usually very loose dirt. The pitcher's movements are much more dynamic than the batter's so the comparison isn't completely fair.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN