Under NFHS rules, can a girl pitch slow in a fast pitch game? The question arises because Rule 6, Section 1, Article 3b (fast pitch regulations) states that the hand must be below the hip. However, Rule 6, Section 4, Article 4 (slow pitch regulations) states that a slow pitch "...must be delivered at a moderate speed underhand, below the hip..." Since it is impossible to deliver the ball below the hip in slow pitch, does "below the hip" in both sections mean something other than release? And can a girl pitch slow pitch, with unlimited arch, in a high school fast pitch game??

PaulR,

Short answer:

Yes, she can. But nothing overhand, or sidearm.

And welcome to the board. http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bigwave.gif

glen

As Whiskers already noted, the pitcher can do this, but you are under a great misperception if you believe that it isn't possible to throw a "slow-pitch" from below the hip. I know quite a few pitchers who can and get at least 12' on the pitch and more if I would allow them.

Release point
 

The rule does not mean that the release point is below the hip (SP) it only means that the delivery must come from below the hip.

The release point for FP is lower because the pitcher is pushing the ball foward/flat as fast as they can. For SP the release point is higher because the ball is released in an upward direction to get that minimum 6 foot arch.

Delivery for both games must be from below the hip and the release points are different.

Re: Release point
 

Please note where I mentioned the rule or any of it's stipulations?

Don't bother, you will not find it because I didn't. I simply pointed out to PaulR that is was a misperception that a SP pitch could not be delivered from below the hip. It happens and I see it regularly from the most recreational to the major level.

Now, if you want to talk ASA, there is no such stipulation in the SP pitching rules as there is for the FP pitching (6.3.E).