Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Crow hope definition

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We have a coaches meeting Sat morning and one topic of discussion for the coaches is the crow hop. I was looking for th NFHSA or the OHSAA definition. I know my OFC friends can help. I am obviously not smart enough to navigate their websites. ;D ;D I am also gooing to search the topic from previous posts.

 

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The crow hop is defined as a "replanting" of the pivot foot. Basically a crow hopping pitcher will push or "hop" off the pitching plate with the pivot foot then replant the pivot foot and push off the ground in front of the pitching plate at the release of the pitch.

 

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My opinion is that the term "crow-hop" should be removed from the definition, and not used as a reference in describing the "replant". A crow hop is actually an outfieler's footwork move used to gain momentum and power in a throw back to the infield - which is a desirable action. All this does is add confusion and may cause an inexperienced umpire to look for something that is not even there.

Concerning footwork, a pitcher may "leap", which is illegal IF the back (drag) foot, at any time during the pitch, leaves the ground. They may also "replant", which is the act of the drag foot stopping it's forward motion, during the pitch, BEFORE release of the ball. It's possible for a pitcher to do BOTH of these at the same time, or they may only do one of these. They are two distinct actions - both illegal. Technically, few pitchers actually crow hop, but LOTS of them either leap (airborne), replant, or a combination of both.

I would propose a definition that CLEARLY defines these two actions, and dropping the term "crow-hop". This would give umpires a clearer picture of what to look for. As Punchout has stated on here many times, the slight pause, or "hitch", is usually an indication of a replant.

 

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Sammy, great answer to the question on 'Crow Hopping" and explains the action in very simple understandable terms. I too hate for the infraction to be called 'Crow Hop' since it is a term I learned while playing baseball and is the act of taking a short skip hop to get more momentem on the ball as you throw overhand.

Your explaination describes and explains either of the two infraction very well and it would great if everyone understood it as you stated and remove the term from pitching softball.

 

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Appreciate everyone's help . I am looking for the specific 10-a ( incorrect number) rule. I have ASA etc. and those governing bodies but it is becoming a problem with coaches constantly baggering rec ball pitchers...The rec ball league is covered under OHSAA rules.

I should have been clearer on my orginal post. Good point sammy I totally agree. The replant is the issue . Some of the rec coaches get confused simply when the pitcher does not bring the hip around and stays skinny on finish. They hopefully just need educated.

 

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Watch a video that is on Bill Hillhouse's website. http://www.houseofpitching.com/videoclips.html

08.02.04: "Explanation of Crowhopping" ERIE, PA"
FLASH SWF > QUICKTIME .MOV >

 

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I'm not picking on anyone - but I'm seeing the drag foot leave the ground in the first sequence of this video. An illegal pitch??

http://www.houseofpitching.com/eriemov.html

 

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I also wish that the definition of "crow hop" would be made more clear in the rule books, or even dropped altogether. Part of the confusion has to come from the fact that "crow hop" is a strange phrase that we can't relate to any common language we use everyday.

But Sammy is on the right track when he compares the "crow hop" foot action to the footwork used by an outfielder to get more zip on the ball. The "crow hop" in the softball pitching rules is basically describing the same sort of footwork, but as used by a pitcher.

An outfielder using a crow hop delivery takes a step forward with her pivot foot (throwing hand side), then a step with her stride (glove side) foot before throwing the ball.

Relating this to a pitcher, a true crow hop occurs when the pitcher steps, jumps or slides her pivot foot forward of the pitcher's plate, then takes another step with the stride foot and delivers the pitch. Essentially, the pitcher is starting the pitch from a point in front of, and not in contact with, the rubber.

Why they had to drag the odd term "crow hop" into the rule, I don't know, other than the fact that the term was casually applied to this pitching technique many years ago. While the footwork described does mimic the crow hop throw by an outfielder, the term itself is vague when applied to a tiny portion of a pitcher's delivery.

A true crow hop is already covered by several different pitching rules. One, the pitcher may take only one step forward, with her stride foot, during her delivery. A crow hop is basically two steps. Also, it violates the rule requiring the pitcher's pivot foot to legally push off and drag away from the plate. A crow hopping pitcher is pushing off from a point not in contact with the plate.

I think the rulemakers would be better served to eliminate the slang term "crow hop" from the books and write a better technical description of the violation.

 

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Re: The Hillhouse video.

If Bill was throwing that pitch under ASA rules, it would be 100% legal. The adult men's rules allow the pivot foot to lose contact with the ground (ie: a legal leap) as long as the toe is pointed downward.

The requirement for the toe to be pointed downward is specifically to address the possibility of this legal leap becoming a crow hop. With the toe pointed down, the pivot foot cannot land and push off again from the new landing point.

 

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Thanks for the information. If the coaches cannot understand this info than I believe we know where the problem lies. ;D ;D ;D

 

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My advice on the crow hop would be to just forget about it. It is never called consitently by the umpires and it never will.