Softball / Topic 06

Legal fast pitch delivery

WBSC · 2026–2029
In short

The pitcher takes the signal with separated hands and the pivot foot touching the plate, then brings the ball into both hands and pauses for 2–5 seconds. Fast pitch delivery is underhand, with a continuous forward action. A windmill delivery may make only one full arm revolution. The step must go forward toward home plate.

On this pageThe ruleIn practice

The rule

The pitcher takes the signal with separated hands and the pivot foot touching the plate, then brings the ball into both hands and pauses for 2–5 seconds. Fast pitch delivery is underhand, with a continuous forward action. A windmill delivery may make only one full arm revolution. The step must go forward toward home plate.

In practice

A permitted leap must originate at the plate and continue smoothly; a crow hop that creates another push-off point is illegal. Modified fast pitch has separate restrictions: no windmill or slingshot delivery, both feet initially on the plate and a pause of 2–10 seconds. Do not mix those mechanics with ordinary fast pitch.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied official rulebook. References use PDF page numbers; topic numbers are editorial.
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