Hop or Not

what's up with the pitching rule?

Only two years ago the biggest debate in men's fastpitch was the pitching rule, specifically whether or not a pitcher was allowed to "hop" or replant with the pivot foot.

The ISC allowed it - Softball Canada did not.

In 2005 Softball Canada opted to allow the hop in the men's game and last years National championship was played with the new rule in effect.

Today the "hop" is not only accepted - it's the style used by nearly every Sr "A" level male pitcher in the world, and some females have implemented the style very effectively as well.

( Roll your mouse over the photo of Lucas Mata to see what is now commonplace in Men's fastpitch.)

Hitters apparently haven't noticed much difference as there has not been a reduction in the number of hits or runs scored since the change was accepted.

According to Brian Van Os, the National tournament's UIC, Canada will be now be making a pitch to the ISF to experiment with the new Canadian rule in one of the future World Tournaments.

So now it's anything goes, right?

Well, not quite says Brian Van Os. "We've relaxed it quite a bit but the biggest issue now is having two feet on the rubber."

Many pitchers have become accustomed to the "ISC rule", which requires only one foot.

The official Softball Canada rule states "The pitcher must start with two feet in contact with the pitching plate" and "the feet may not move backward at anytime".

This issue is certainly going to cause further problems. Colin McKenzie said "it feels like your feet are stuck in cement". If a pitcher moves either the front foot forward or the back foot backward, prior to take off, it's technically an illegal pitch according to Softball Canada.

Get ready for the next round of controversy. This pitching debate is far from over.

TIC would like to know your opinion on the pitching rule. Please vote in the poll.