My pitching delivery has a Queto (Johnny Queto) twist (on my left foot) prior to my forward arm motion to the plate. Is this rotation/twist allow prior to my forward motion in Senior Softball?

Steven - Rule 6.6-E "The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher's box until the pitched ball leaves the hand. If a step is taken, it can be forward, backward, or to the side, provided the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's box and the step is simultaneous with the release of the ball."

Bruce M, thanks for the reply and information. I actually twist/pivot on my right foot, prior to the release of the ball. The umpire in Manteca last week call my pitch a ball. The umpire stated that my twist/rotation was “deceiving” the batter and was illegal. I disagree, but what could I do?

Just a quick question, do you pitch lefty or righty? I am trying to picture your left foot twisting.

sfuruta: I would need to see your delivery to make a judgment, but there are a few things to take into consideration. Pitchers must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in front of the body. The front of the body must face the batter. This position must be held at least one second before starting the pitch. Once the pitcher makes any motion after the required stop, he “must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.” In addition, the pitcher “must not use a delivery in which there is a stop or reversal of the pitching motion.” So, if your twist conflicts with any of these rules, then it is an illegal pitch.

Interesting question. Years ago, I drew on my previous fast pitch experience and developed a knuckle ball with a full windmill windup that went about 11 feet high. I was careful not to pass my hip twice. I used it now and then in rec league games to perfect it, but only threw it in tournament games in certain situations. The time came. We were ahead by a couple of runs, there were two men on base, and the other team's best hitter was up with a two ball, two strike count. I threw the windmill knuckle ball right down the middle (I only used it for surprise and didn't have much control) and the batter just stood there. PLUNK! right on the plate. "Illegal!" the umpire called. "Ball three". I asked for time and approached the ump, explained that I did not pass my hip twice, and asked why the pitch was illegal. "You were trying to deceive the batter." he explained after some hesitation.

The irony was that the opposing pitcher that game was notorious for delivering his pitch with a step forward or no step, bent over or straight up, from the left corner of the rubber or the right corner. His whole game was deception to throw the batter off. Not a whisper from the ump.

I play every week against sfuruta and his delivery is remarkable. He also can throw a curve or a screwball. I consider his pitch legal, but it is distracting. Keep your eye on the ball, not the man pitching, if you hope to make good contact.