Pitching Distance Change Generates More Hits
By Sheila Henderson, Assistant Athletic Director | Friday, August 12, 2011 2:57 PM
The Dripping Springs HS Varsity Softball pitcher delivers a pitch during the semifinal game at the 2011 UIL State Softball Tournament.
Photo by Jeanne Acton
The mandatory softball pitching distance change from 40 feet to 43 feet had a significant impact on the 2011 State Softball Tournament. Many speculated the change would result in more balls being put into play thus involving the defense more.
Based on the scores from the tournament, we did not have the typical 1-0, 2-1 games as in the 2010 State Tournament. Several games were high scoring and quite exciting.
Based on data taken from both the 2010 and 2011 State Tournaments, a comparison in the following areas shows the increased offense based on the pitching distance change — total number of hits, total number of runs scored by the championship and runner-up teams and number of games that ended in a shut out.
Total Hits (15 games, 1A-5A conferences)
2010 - 182 hits
2011 - 239 hits
In the 2011 tournament, there were 57 more hits over last year, which represents a 31% increase of total hits.
Total Runs Scored (5 games, championship teams 1A-5A)
2010 - 54 runs
2011 - 117 runs
The difference between the total number of runs scored throughout the tournament by the championship teams in 2010 versus 2011 was 63. This represents a 116% increase.
Shut-outs (15 games, 1A-5A conferences)
2010 - 11 shut-outs
2011 - 2 shut-outs
In 2010, 73% of the fifteen games played, ended in shut outs while in 2011 only 13% of the fifteen games played ended in a shut out.
After reviewing the data, you could conclude that since the ball was put into play more often, more offense was generated. Softball has long been a sport where one or two good players can carry a team a long way. You get a good pitcher and maybe a good hitter, and you can do some damage.
Now that the pitching distance has changed, there are more opportunities for more athletes to be involved in the game from hitting to playing defense. More players being involved gives more opportunity for skill development and players to showcase their talents at all positions.