Softball Pitching Distance by Age (High School and Youth)
- Rule 2, Section 1, USA Softball Official Rules (2026 edition)
- Rule 1-1-2, NFHS Softball Rules Book (2026 edition)
- Last checked Nov 1, 2026
- By Julien Levadoux
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.
Distances
| Level | Pitching distance |
|---|---|
| USA Softball girls 10U | 35 feet |
| USA Softball girls 12U | 40 feet |
| USA Softball girls 14U, 16U and 18U | 43 feet |
| High school (NFHS), every level | 43 feet |
| Little League Minor Division | 35 feet |
| Little League Major Division | 40 feet |
| Little League Junior and Senior | 43 feet |
In boys’ fastpitch, the longest distance is 46 feet.
The jump to 43 feet
The move from 40 to 43 feet usually comes at 14U, and it’s the biggest step a young pitcher makes. Three feet doesn’t sound like much, but the pitch travels farther and drops more, so expect her release point to need some adjusting.
The circle
The pitcher’s circle is 16 feet across: an 8-foot radius around the pitcher’s plate. It’s the same in high school, USA Softball and Little League. The circle matters well beyond pitching: the look-back rule starts when the pitcher has the ball inside it.
Explained in our own words, not an official ruling: in a competition, the committee, league or umpire decides, and local rules apply.
Sources
- USA Softball Official Rules, USA Softball (2026 edition)
- NFHS Softball Rules Book, NFHS (2026 edition)