Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 11/3/2009

Question
We have a girl in ou 12U division with a very unusal style of pitching.  It's hard to explain but I can say that when she finaly brings the ball to the glove it is already over her head and she does not pause for any amount of time.  I understand that the rules state you must bring your hands together in front of you and hold for at least 1-10 seconds.  I just asked the blue if he felt she was pitching correctly and he said that it doesn't matter how long she brings her hands together only that they touch!  I have a problem with the touch...no where in the rules does it just say touch, it says 1-10 seconds. Why wouldn't the rules just say touch.  There must be a reason for the 1-10 second rule.  I just wonder if she is going to have problems as she moves up or is this something that no one will call.  If so then no big deal, but if as she goes higher if they call her on it I would hate to think that she could have time to correct her pitching style while she is younger.

Answer
Hi John,

no pause or holding for any amount of time is required nor is in front of the body a requirement. You must bring the hands together for 1-10 and a "touch" is usually sufficient for the vast majority of umpires as 1 sec is pretty quick.

mark