Pitching

Circle and pitching-motion rules.

• Rule

  Illegal Pitch in Softball: Crow Hop, Leap and the 2026 Rules

  The most common illegal pitches are a missing pause with the hands together and a crow hop (replanting the pivot foot and pushing off again). Leaping is now legal in high school, USA Softball and Little League. The penalty is a ball to the batter. Since 2019 in high school, runners don't advance.

• Explainer

  Softball Pitching Distance by Age (High School and Youth)

  In fastpitch the pitcher throws from 35 feet at 10U, 40 feet at 12U and 43 feet from 14U through high school. Little League uses 35 feet in Minors, 40 in Majors and 43 in Junior and Senior. The pitching circle has an 8-foot radius.