Understanding Crow Hopping and Replanting in Softball: Techniques, Rules, and Impact

What Is Crow Hopping?

Crow hopping occurs when a pitcher’s pivot foot lifts off the ground and repositions forward before delivering the pitch. Instead of maintaining contact with the ground during the stride, the pitcher pushes off and gains extra momentum, creating a more explosive drive. While this technique can increase pitch velocity, most softball governing bodies—such as USA Softball, NFHS (National Federation of High Schools), and NCAA—consider it illegal because it provides an unfair advantage.

How to Identify a Crow Hop:

• The pitcher’s pivot foot briefly leaves the ground during the drive.

• The foot lands ahead of its original position, creating a secondary push-off.

• The pitch often appears to gain extra velocity due to increased forward momentum.

What Is Replanting?

Replanting happens when a pitcher initially pushes off with their pivot foot, briefly loses contact with the ground, and then re-establishes it to generate a second push before releasing the ball. Like crow hopping, replanting allows a pitcher to generate additional power beyond what is typically allowed in legal pitching mechanics.

Common Signs of Replanting:

• The pivot foot momentarily loses contact with the ground mid-motion.

• A second distinct push occurs before releasing the ball.

• The pitcher appears to "jump" off the mound rather than maintaining a continuous, smooth motion.

Why Are Crow Hopping and Replanting Illegal?

Both techniques disrupt the natural flow of a legal pitch and offer pitchers an unfair advantage by allowing them to generate extra velocity. Softball pitching rules often require pitchers to maintain continuous contact with the ground with their pivot foot until the stride foot lands. Any additional push-off or repositioning of the foot can result in an illegal pitch call.

Consequences of an Illegal Pitch:

• In NCAA and NFHS play, an illegal pitch results in a ball being awarded to the batter.

• Base runners may advance one base in some leagues.

• Repeated violations can lead to warnings or even a pitcher being removed from the game.

How Pitchers Can Avoid Crow Hopping and Replanting

Coaches and players should focus on clean, legal pitching mechanics that maximize power while adhering to the rules. Some tips to avoid these illegal movements include:

• Ensuring the pivot foot drags smoothly along the ground instead of lifting.

• Practicing proper stride technique with a continuous forward motion.

• Reviewing game footage to identify potential footwork issues.

• Working with pitching coaches to refine mechanics and avoid illegal motions.

Conclusion

Crow hopping and replanting can give pitchers an edge in speed and power, but they come with risks of penalties and controversy. Understanding the mechanics behind these techniques, recognizing their impact on the game, and refining legal pitching strategies can help pitchers maximize their effectiveness while staying within the rules. As softball continues to evolve, debates over pitching rules and enforcement will remain a critical part of the sport.

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