Pitching Question- NFHS Rules

[BretMan]

Here is a question that a coach brought to me (NFHS rules).

Pitcher engages rubber, takes signs with hands separated. She then brings her hands together as she starts her pitching motion. Hands separate...then come back together again before separating a second time and delivering the pitch.

Illegal pitch? Seems like a no-brainer. But which NFHS rule covers this?

[Manny A]

How about 6-1-4b: the pitcher does not use a rocker action in which, after having the ball in both hands in pitching position, she removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.

[BretMan]

Nobody said nuthin' about "taking a backward and forward swing".

So, if she holds her hands out in front of her body, can she join and separate her hands twice (or more) without penalty?

[CecilOne]

The pitch begins when the hands separate, rejoining is starting and not delivering.

[RKBUmp]

What Cecil said, NFHS 6-1-2-a, The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball.....

My internet connection where Im at is so slow I cant get to the video, but NFHS does have a video of illegal pitches named Double Touch.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

What Cecil said, NFHS 6-1-2-a, The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball.....

My internet connection where Im at is so slow I cant get to the video, but NFHS does have a video of illegal pitches named Double Touch.

You need to be a member of the NFHS Officials Association to view the video.

The example used in the video is a pitcher who brings her hands together, separates them to adjust her hair, and brings them back together to deliver the pitch. The narrator explains it is an illegal pitch "as soon as the pitcher separates her hands after bringing them together without immediately delivering the ball".