Pitching & Catching Resources


 Rookie & Emerging Soxs & Catching Programmes

  • Rookie Sox & Emerging Sox Catching programme was implemented in 2014.

  • Although the programs havent flourished as yet, there has been considerable uptakes in the Northern Regions 9 delivers (catchers) and 317 pitchers. Catchers recieving instruction during 2015/2016 season.

  • The pitcher is not only the key position on the team but also can be the difference when taking the daimond and able to compete.

  • It is imperative development pitching and catching programmes that are implemented across the region, if our game is to be sustainable on the domestic front and for NZ to continue to enjoy success on the international stage.


 U15 'Share the load' Rule

  • U15s 'Share the load' Rule, is a softball NZ National Tournament rule applying to any player whom is pitching and/or catching under 15 years old.

  • The rule was first introduced at the 2008 U15 National Tournaments. In 2010 the rule was introduced at the U17 and U19 National Tournaments to cover players U15 who were pitching and/ or catching.

  • This rule was to be designed to protect current players from over-use and to help educate the softball community on the need to develop the game, by providing more opportunities for more players to pitch and catch.

  • Other throwing sports have similar rules limiting the amount of workload on young players.

    • Baseball have a pitch count rule which applies up to U18s

    • Cricket have a limit on overs for fast pace bowlers applying up to U17s.

    • In softball our focus is development age U15s.

  • The feedback given on this rule, is the need for a similar limit to be applied to club games at U13 and U15 level across all Associatons. Which our Association have now adopted.


 Progression on the Pitching Leaping Rule

  • Janurary 2010:
    • The new pitching rule came into effect, allowing pitchers to leap.
    • This new rule was interpreted as pitchers hands must seperate as the pitcher pushes from the plate.
  • March, 2011: Pitching Rule Amended
    • As a result of feedback from players, coaches and umpires. The change to the earlier interpretation of the pitching rule has been adopted to reflect intention of the rule and the mechanics of utilising the leaping style of pitching. This has been amended so the hands do not have to seperate at the time of the push off from the pitcher plate, however the hands must be seperate with the pitching arm in continuous motion at the time of the pivot foot lands. Replanting is not allowed.
    • So leaping pitcher can have hands together when they are airborne , but must have hands seperated by the time their back foot has contacted with the ground. This is what most pitchers naturally do.

 The 'Leaping' Style

  • The 'Leaping' style has become more recoginsed world wide in recent times, a style that has been an increase debate throughout the 'softball community.' Some of the best pitchers in the world have adopted 'leaping' and have had significant success.

  • To understand if the 'leaping' style should be taught SNZ coaching education pathway. An advisory group with the vast experience and knowledge was formed. From this, the following points were the final outcome.

    • No research has been undertaken on long term effect on pitchers body, general consensus is that this style places undue stress on the body and in theory shortens the longevity of the pitchers career.

    • The 'leaping' style is one that should not be intergrated with the core fundamentals of pitching.

    • Long, smooth, controlled action is a catalyst for balance, rhythm and success.

  • As a result of the conculsions SNZ will not promote the style of 'Leaping' through its development programs. It is not a style that should be taught to our developing pitchers. We as an Association have also undertaken this decision that SNZ had made. But, it is avaliable for those pitchers that would like to adopt the style.

 Other Pitching & Catching Resources


 Pitching


 Catchers