Expert: Rick Bundy - 3/26/2009

Question
Does a right handed pitcher have to take foot off rubber to throw to third base,Like he does for first and second

Answer
Bob:  Thank you for your question.

For a move to third base, a RH pitcher has basically 2 options.

1.  He can step straight back with his right foot, and submarine the ball to third, timing that move on the third baseman's break to the bag.  It takes a strong arm to use that move effectively.

2.  The most common is to make the move to third, as a LH pitcher does to first.  Your right foot stays on the rubber,  left foot comes up and the throw is again timed with the 3B moving to the bag.

The same restrictions apply in this, as apply to a LH pitcher to first.  If the front foot crosses behind the right knee, he must go to the plate, not 3B.  He has the same 45 degree restriction as the lefty to first.

With this move, your right foot pivots some; but usually doesn't leave the rubber.

Hope that helps you out.

Good luck as you go forward.

Yours in baseball'

Rick