Bret - What I'm trying to clarify is if the pitchers I'm seeing are actually executing a replant. Obviously I didn't write the rules
)) so all I'm trying to do is get a better understanding of how a knowledgeable umpire interprets the written rules. To avoid muddying the waters, let's just use the ASA rules.
My DD was taught from day one that what the gal in the first video is doing is a blatant replant. This was not my interpretation, but just what she was told by at least 5 or 6 pitching instructors. Being an open minded individual
I will readily change my mind about this being an illegal pitch after I fully understand how this motion is interpreted.
OK - so let's step through this:
Let's assume that everything is done correctly by the pitcher up to and including her stride and push off of the pitcher's plate. Her stride foot is in the air striding towards home plate; her pivot foot begins dragging away from the pitcher's plate, caused by her stride momentum.
THIS is the point in the motion where I need clarification:
While the stride foot is still in the air, the forward momentum STOPS, and therefore so does the pivot foot. The pitcher's weight is primarily on the pivot foot at this point allowing them a second "push" (however slight). So you have a second push, then the stride foot lands as the ball is delivered. Even though this whole motion is "bang-bang", it has distinct characteristics that allow it to happen.
You will rarely see a pitcher who has been taught "Finch mechanics" do this. The reason is that the they are taught to drive the knee on the drag leg forward to the stride knee, keeping the drag toe generally pointing down. Unless they have ballerina skills, they would twist their ankle!
However, pitchers who are taught the old-school "slam the door" style of pitching can get into the bad habit of a "sideways jump", and not finish with the backside. This sideways motion will have the pitcher's weight REARWARD instead of balanced, and the drag foot FLAT (sole down). This sets up the situation I described above. Since the weight is shifted back onto the drag leg, it's easy to "replant" the drag foot - especially with the foot in a "sole down" position. This stopping of the drag foot will also create the distinct "two holes" where the feet landed. The "Finch style" will only have a hole where the stride foot landed, and a drag mark, usually a banana shape.
But make no mistake - what I'm seeing is the drag foot coming to a complete stop before delivery of the pitch. No twisting or turning; just a complete stop BEFORE the stride foot lands. This motion creates a distinct "hitch" or rocking horse effect instead of a smooth motion when the back side finishes.
SO... is it legal to allow the drag foot to stop it's forward motion as I've (in long-winded fashion
) described?