Pitching Rubber Heel Toe

[rlt2]

Saw a pitcher warming up during super regional that started with her heel on the front side of the pitching rubber, rocking (raising her toe heel still in contact) then pushing from her toe which was not in contact with the rubber. Is this legal in High school and/or ASA?

[MTR]

Saw a pitcher warming up during super regional that started with her heel on the front side of the pitching rubber, rocking (raising her toe heel still in contact) then pushing from her toe which was not in contact with the rubber. Is this legal in High school and/or ASA?

Yes. You are probably talking about Kenzie Fowler.

This is legal ASA & NCAA & NFHS. As long as she doesn't move the pivot foot foward off the PP prior to dragging away.

[UmpSteve]

Real world answer:

If a pitcher places her foot (either foot!!) where it contacts the pitcher's PLATE as required by rule, then her subsequent movements do not advance the pivot foot to a place where it would not remain in contact if kept flat to the surface, nor slide back the nonpivot foot to a place where it would not remain in contact if kept flat to the surface, then the pitcher has realistically met the requirements of the rule.

The pitching rules exist to make the pitchers pitch from the same location on the field, the same distance, and with the same requirements and limitations. Raising a heel or toe so that it partially clears the ground without actually moving the foot isn't (and shouldn't be) a violation. That simply doesn't meet the purpose for the pitching rules; it isn't to micromanage and find innovative ways to create illegal pitch calls, it is to force all pitchers to meet certain minimum requirements while not gaining an unintended advantage.

That is the same interpretation and rule determination that allows a foot to slide across the pitcher's PLATE without violation, to clear the cleats to keep from getting caught while sliding, and yes, to use a slide step forward with the pivot foot so long as the stopping point is still above the plane of the pitcher's PLATE. True in all directions, and in all rule sets.

[rlt2]

it wasnt fowler, it was after an injury. so to clarify its ok to push from the ball/toe of your pivot foot that is about 4 or 5 inches in front of the pitchers plate as long as you start with your heel on the pitchers plate.

[MTR]

it wasnt fowler, it was after an injury. so to clarify its ok to push from the ball/toe of your pivot foot that is about 4 or 5 inches in front of the pitchers plate as long as you start with your heel on the pitchers plate.

The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the PP and with the delivery may push off and drag the pivot foot keeping contact with the ground throughout the delivery.

[GIMNEPIWO]

it wasnt fowler, it was after an injury. so to clarify its ok to push from the ball/toe of your pivot foot that is about 4 or 5 inches in front of the pitchers plate as long as you start with your heel on the pitchers plate.

The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the PP and with the delivery may push off and drag the pivot foot keeping contact with the ground throughout the delivery.

Not in NFHS