Illegal Pitch Basics in Fastpitch Softball
A legal fastpitch delivery starts with the pitcher on the pitching plate, takes one step toward the batter as she releases underhand, and doesn't leap or re-plant the drive foot. Break those and it's an illegal pitch, which typically adds a ball to the count.
When it comes up
It's every pitch, but you notice it when a motion gets sloppy or a pitcher's taught an illegal move. Umpires watch the feet and delivery closely, especially with newer pitchers.
What makes a pitch legal
A legal delivery is one continuous, grounded motion; breaking it makes a pitch illegal.
- She begins on the pitching plate, hands together for the required moment.
- She takes one step toward the batter and releases underhand with the step.
- Leaping, both feet off the ground so she's airborne, is illegal.
- Re-planting or dragging and replanting the pivot foot, a crow hop, is illegal.
- Beginners get called most for the drive foot replanting, or not starting on the plate.
- It's not about how hard she throws, only the legality of the motion.
What the penalty is
The general result is a ball added to the batter's count, favoring the offense. How it's enforced once the ball's in play differs by rule set, so this page covers what makes a pitch legal, not every detail; for specifics, ask the umpire.
How it changes by age
With coach pitch or a machine there's no pitcher delivery to judge, so illegal pitch calls don't apply until girls pitch live.
As live pitching develops umpires call illegal pitches to keep deliveries clean, so coaches often work the feet and the drag foot early.
Test yourself
A young pitcher pushes off the plate, and as she throws, her drive foot comes off the ground and lands again closer to home before she lets go. What is that?
Show the call
An illegal pitch, usually a crow hop.
The drive foot can't leave the ground and replant to gain distance, so re-planting it makes the pitch illegal.