[greymule]

In MP, the pitcher must also deliver with the shoulders square to the plate, which prevents him from gaining too much speed with the backswing of the arm.

I have done two MP leagues, both long-established with pitchers who have obviously been at it a long time. In my opinion, most of them violate the book rules constantly, but the opponents never complain, so I just let it go.

In one league, the accepted motion seems to keep the ball from coming in too fast. In the other, the pitchers release with their bodies sideways and really get some steam on the ball.

At this point, I would not agree to do a MP tournament, because if legal/illegal pitching motion became an issue, I wouldn't know how to handle it.

And yes, you have to deliver from the plate. You can't drag and then release.