Pivot Foot Meaning in Softball

The pivot foot is the foot that a pitcher must keep on the rubber plate. For a right handed pitcher the pivot foot is the right foot on the body. This foot provides the primary source of power during the push toward the home plate. It must remain in contact with the ground or the rubber until the release. A pitcher pushes hard with the pivot foot to start the fast windmill delivery motion. This foot often drags through the dirt to create a visible line on the field. If the pivot foot leaves the ground too early the umpire calls a penalty. Proper use of this foot is essential for both legal play and maximum throwing velocity. Coaches focus on the pivot foot to help beginners build a strong pitching foundation.