Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
What the heck is a "sling shot" pitch?
MTD, Sr.
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Sling shot is a term most commonly found in the modified-fast pitch game. It is an illegal delivery in this game. If used in a fast pitch game, I don't think it would be a violation.
E. The pitcher must not use a windmill or slingshot-type pitch or make a complete revolution in the delivery.
NOTE: A "slingshot" type pitch is defined as turning the body toward first or third base and bending the elbow during the back swing.
Modified is a bit confusing as there is a 9-player game and a 10-player game and there are subtle rule differences between them. We do a couple of modified leagues in my area, and by and large the pitching is very loosely enforced. In my estimation, about 70% of the pitchers would be technically illegal. But the players want their game this way, so we accommodate. They don't wear helmets at this level, either, which is a requirement for championship ASA play. Many of these pitchers can't throw very fast or with much accuracy. The key in these leagues is finding someone who can get the ball over the plate and then play good defense.
One of my biggest complaints as a player who pitched modified was the inconsistency of umpires in deciding if a pitch(er) was legal or not. When called illegal and I asked why, I never got an answer. Guess it looked illegal to them. One UIC who did our league games came out and did several of my games from both plate and bases. He concluded that he couldn't find any illegalities in my delivery, but confessed that some of his umpires would call me illegal because they didn't think I could throw as hard as I did and BE legal. Early on, when transitioning from fast to modified, I did use the slingshot, which is the bending of the elbow at the top of my delivery. Some people also refer to this as "buggy whip". From then, I concentrated on keeping the elbox straight on the backswing.
Ted