pitching rules

[kld9]

I am a coach and need clarification on a pitching rule. Does the pitcher have to stay in contact with the rubber until the ball is released from her hand or can she push off, drag her foot and release. Thanks

[mcrowder]

Honestly, it doesn't sound like you need clarification ... it sounds like you have not read the rule at all. I'm wary of giving you the simple answer (what you describe is legal, assuming FP), as there are a GREAT many other moving parts in this rule, and suggest strongly that if you are the coach, you read the whole section dealing with this.

[mick]

Originally Posted by kld9

I am a coach and need clarification on a pitching rule. Does the pitcher have to stay in contact with the rubber until the ball is released from her hand or can she push off, drag her foot and release. Thanks

Yes, Coach, she may push off, drag her foot and release.

[kld9]

Our umpire did not show up last night and the opposing coach said the pitcher had to stay in contact until she released (U10 FP). Just wanted to confirm I had it correct before I changed anything my pitcher was doing.

[mick]

Originally Posted by kld9

Our umpire did not show up last night and the opposing coach said the pitcher had to stay in contact until she released (U10 FP). Just wanted to confirm I had it correct before I changed anything my pitcher was doing.

Yeah. If the pitcher had to stick to the pitcher's plate, the resulting loss of velocity may allow even me to make contact with that big ol' ball.

Ya know, mcrowder made a decent suggestion that if you don't have one of those rule books it'd be a good idea to get one, not only for your personal use, but to make it easier to deal with other coaches, players and umps, ...if they show.