Written by Mark Bailey
The Little League pitching distance — for players aged 9-12 — is 46 feet from the pitcher’s mound to home plate. This distance is specifically for Little League Major Division and below. Other divisions for older players have longer distances.
POINTS
- The Little League pitching distance is 46 feet, measured from the back point of home plate to the front of the pitcher’s plate.
- The 7-year-olds pitch at a distance of 46 feet, 8 and 9-year-olds can pitch between 46 – 50 feet, 10 and 11-year-olds also have a range between 46 – 50 feet while 12-year-olds must remain within this same range but are only allowed to throw fastballs and changeups. 13-year-old pitchers must move back an additional 14ft as they start using breaking pitches with their 60 ft pitching mound.
- All age groups adhere to set rules regarding maximum innings pitched in any given 12-month period plus rest periods before returning for more action on the mound.
- Local boards regulate these distances, ensuring safety for all players involved by reducing injuries related to over-exertion or too many throws in one game day/season, etc.
- The MLB has greater distances which increase with each level up until reaching professional standards, where it stands at 60feet 6 inches
How far do 7-year-olds pitch from?
The 7-year-olds’ pitching distance is 46 feet. At this age, children should focus on the fun side of the game and develop their understanding of the rules, techniques, and, of course, working as a team.
They cannot exceed 60 combined innings in any 12 months and must take at least four months off from throwing every year.
How far do 8-year-olds pitch from?
The pitching distance for an 8-year-old is 46 feet. At this age, kids should not pitch in multiple games on the same day and avoid playing catcher when pitching.
How far do 9-year-olds pitch from?
The pitching distance for a 9-year-old is anywhere between 46 – 50 feet. They cannot exceed 80 innings of pitching throughout 12 months and must take four months off from throwing over 12 months.
How far do 10-year-olds pitch from?
The pitching distance for a 10-year-old is anywhere between 46 – 50 feet. They also cannot exceed 80 innings of pitching throughout 12 months, and pictures removed from the mound cannot return as pitchers.
How far do 11-year-olds pitch from?
The pitching distance for an 11-year-old is anywhere between 46 – 50 feet. No pitcher should appear in the same game for three consecutive days, no matter the pitch count.
How far do 12-year-olds pitch from?
A 12-year-old also pitches at a distance of 46-50 feet. They adhere to the same rules as 9, 10, and 11-year-olds and have set pitch count limits and rest periods, and can only throw fastballs and change-ups.
How far do 13-year-olds pitch from?
13-year-olds pitch from 60 feet. They can start using breaking pitches but must not exceed 100 innings over 12 months. Again, they must take at least four months off from pitching in 12 months.
How is the distance regulated?
A local board of directors regulates the distance of little league baseball for the league. They are elected by adult members throughout the league and are the go-to people for any questions about the rules. They set the regulations and policies of the league and stick to the generally accepted rules and differences throughout the little league.
Why is it important for parents to be aware of these rules?
All guardians of children need to know the distances and rules for their health and safety. No matter what position, a player’s arms should be protected. This is why there are rules around the number of pitches allowed in a set period and the distance they can throw.
The introduction of four months of rest and limited pitches for the little league has reduced the number of injuries to the throwing shoulder and the elbow throughout the different age groups.
What are the benefits of these rules?
There are fewer injuries by reducing the number of pitches and preventing children from over-exerting themselves from the throwing mound, but it also allows more children to get involved.
Baseball is an inclusive game, so more little league players get to try their hand at pitching by spreading out the number of pitches.
FAQ
How does the distance differ from MLB?
The pitching distance in little league is smaller at 46 feet, compared to the 60 feet and 6 inches of MLB. The front of the rubber plate is where this is measured, and this is from the rear of the home plate.
What is the pitching mound distance for the Little League World Series?
The pitching mound distance for the little league world series is the same as the regular season, measuring 46 feet from the home plate.
What is the pitching distance for Little League Majors?
The little league major pitching distance is 46 feet from the home plate. This is the same as the regular season and the little league world series.
What is the pitching mound distance for Little League softball?
The pitching mound distance for little league softball measures 40 feet. This is different in the minor league, where it is 35 feet. The little league majors for softball also have a pitching distance of 40 feet. In the junior and senior leagues, the pitching distance is 43 feet.
Final thoughts
The pitching distance of little league is 46 feet for a reason, and as they move up the age ranges, this will increase.
The same goes for their number of permitted pitches, allowing kids to grow their game organically and safely.