Pitching Distance (Fast-Pitch)
Also known as: fastpitch pitching distance, pitching distance by age, softball pitching distance by age, fastpitch base distance, distance from the pitching rubber to home plate
In USA Softball girls' fast pitch, the pitcher throws from 35 feet in 10U, 40 feet in 12U, and 43 feet from 14U through 18U, the same as adult women. Bases are 60 feet apart in every fast-pitch division. The distance is measured from the front of the pitcher's plate to the back point of home plate.
USA Softball's official distance table (Rule 2, Section 1) sets the field for each division. In girls' fast pitch, 10U pitches from 35 feet, 12U from 40 feet, and 14U, 16U and 18U from 43 feet. Adult women also pitch from 43 feet. Boys pitch from 35 feet at 10U and 40 feet at 12U, then from 46 feet at 14U and up, the same as adult men. Every fast-pitch division uses 60-foot bases. For 8U, the region hosting the championship sets the distances, so local leagues vary.
The pitching distance runs from the front edge of the pitcher's plate to the back point of home plate. The pitcher's plate is 24 inches long, and the pitching circle around it has an eight-foot radius.
Each step back gives the hitter a little more distance to read the pitch and asks the pitcher for more strength to keep speed and location. High school and college fields follow their own rulebooks, so check yours.
Tips by skill level
Use a tape measure at home: from the front edge of the pitching rubber to the back point of home plate.
When a pitcher moves back to a longer distance, rebuild location first, then speed. A pitch that worked at 40 feet can land differently at 43.
Example
A pitcher moving from 12U to 14U goes from 40 feet to 43 feet. Her coach has her throw bullpens from the new distance in the off-season so her pitches keep their location.
Why it matters
The wrong distance changes the timing and location of every pitch. Parents and coaches setting up practice need the right number for the age group.
Common mistakes
- Measuring to the front of home plate instead of the back point
- Practicing at last season's distance after moving up an age group
- Assuming 8U distances are the same everywhere
- Using the boys' 46-foot distance for girls' 14U and older
Frequently asked questions
How far is the pitcher in 10U softball?
Under USA Softball rules, 35 feet in girls' 10U fast pitch, measured from the front of the pitcher's plate to the back point of home plate.
What is the pitching distance for 12U softball?
40 feet in USA Softball girls' 12U fast pitch.
When does the pitching distance move to 43 feet?
At 14U in USA Softball girls' fast pitch. It stays at 43 feet through 18U and for adult women.
How far apart are the bases in fastpitch?
60 feet in every USA Softball fast-pitch division.
Sources
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 2 Sec. 1, Official Distance Table (bases and pitching distance by division; 8U note), p. 24
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 2 Sec. 3F (pitcher's plate 24 in.; distance to the back point of home plate; 16-foot circle, eight feet in radius), p. 26
Related terms
- Pitching CircleThe pitching circle is the eight-foot-radius ring marked around the pitcher's plate. Its main rulebook role is the look-back rule for runners off base.
- Reaction WindowThe reaction window is the fraction of a second a fast-pitch hitter has to read the pitch, decide whether to swing, and start the swing — one of the shortest in any sport due to the combination of pitch speed and short pitching distance.
- Bullpen Routine (Fast-Pitch)A bullpen routine is a pitcher's structured warm-up and between-outing throwing plan. It builds from short arm circles to full-distance pitches of every type.
- Teaching a Young Fast-Pitch Hitter (Parent Guide)Teach a young fast-pitch hitter the basics in order. Start with a balanced stance and eyes on the ball, then a short stride and a level, on-time swing. Use a light bat she can control, lots of tee and soft-toss swings with soft balls, and short sessions that praise solid contact.
- Fast-Pitch Bat Size by AgeFast-pitch bats are sized by length and drop, and both change with age and size. One maker's chart suggests 28–29 inches at age 10, 30–31 inches at 11–12 and 31–32 inches at 13–14. Players around 8 to 12 often use a -11 or -12 drop, and many move to -10, -9 or -8 as they get stronger.
- Pitch LocationPitch location is where in (or out of) the strike zone the pitcher places the ball. The combination of horizontal quadrant and vertical height that makes a pitch effective or hittable.
Related guides & benchmarks
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