Removal of the Pivot Foot Meaning in Softball

Removal of the pivot foot describes stepping off the rubber to stop play. A pitcher must step backward off the plate to legally reset the delivery. This action makes the ball dead and prevents a balk or illegal pitch. The pitcher must keep the hands apart while moving the foot off rubber. A pitcher steps back with the right foot to talk to the catcher. This move allows the defense to regroup before the next pitch is thrown. If the pitcher steps forward while resetting, the umpire may call a penalty. Learning the correct way to disengage from the rubber is a basic skill. It ensures the pitcher can pause the game without violating any pitching rules.