Rules

Little League Pitching Rules

Little League pitching rules allow one mound visit per pitcher per inning (a second visit to the same pitcher in the same inning means the pitcher must be removed from the mound), 8 warmup pitches or 1 minute between innings, and pitcher re-entry once per game. This page covers the general pitching rules beyond pitch count limits and rest days: warmup pitches, balk rules, mound visits, intentional walks, hit batters, and pitch type restrictions by division.

Warmup Pitches

A pitcher entering the game (or returning to the mound after playing another position) is allowed a maximum of 8 warmup pitches, or 1 minute of warmup time, whichever comes first. Between innings, the same limit applies. Warmup pitches do not count toward the daily pitch count.

Balk Rules

In Majors and below, runners may not leave their base until the pitch reaches the batter. There are no leadoffs, so pitchers aren't holding runners on and balks are not called at these levels.

Balk rules apply beginning at the Intermediate (50/70) division and continue through Juniors and Seniors, where leadoffs are allowed. Umpires at these levels often warn a young pitcher before calling a balk. Common balk situations include:

Pitcher starts the motion and does not deliver the pitch
Pitcher throws to an unoccupied base without stepping toward it
Pitcher fakes a throw to first base

Coaches moving players up from Majors should teach stretch mechanics early, because the balk rule will be new to those pitchers.

Mound Visits

Coaches are allowed one defensive trip to the mound (a mound visit) per pitcher per inning. On the second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. A removed pitcher can move to another defensive position (subject to the catcher-to-pitcher rule) and may return to pitch once per game, provided they stayed in the game at another position.

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Intentional Walks

In Little League, intentional walks can be issued by announcement: the coach or pitcher can tell the umpire they want to intentionally walk the batter. No pitches need to be thrown. This speeds up the game and avoids wild pitches during intentional walk attempts.

Hit Batters

Little League's national pitching regulations do not automatically remove a pitcher after a set number of hit batters. However, some local leagues and tournaments adopt a safety rule that removes a pitcher who hits three batters in the same game. Check your local league rules and any tournament ground rules so you know which standard applies.

Pitch Type Restrictions

Little League does not officially ban any specific pitch types (curveballs, sliders, etc.) at any division level. However, Little League strongly recommends that coaches limit breaking pitches for players under 14 and focus on fastball and changeup development.

At the younger divisions (8U-10U), most coaches and leagues discourage curveballs entirely. Rizzler's pitch charting tracks pitch type so you can monitor what your pitchers are throwing in practice and in games.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mound visits are allowed in Little League?

Coaches get one mound visit per pitcher per inning. A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning requires that pitcher's removal from the mound. The removed pitcher can stay in the game at another defensive position, subject to the catcher-to-pitcher rule.

Can a pitcher re-enter the game after being removed?

A pitcher who is removed from the mound may return to pitch once per game, and only if they remained in the game at another position. Their pitch count continues from the previous appearance, and rest day requirements are based on total daily pitches.

Are there any rules about pitching speed in Little League?

No. There are no speed limits in Little League. However, age-appropriate development should guide coaching decisions. See the pitching stats hub for typical velocities by age group.

Can a pitcher pitch in consecutive games?

Yes, if they have met the rest day requirements from their previous appearance. A pitcher who threw 15 pitches yesterday (0 rest days required) can pitch again today. One more limit applies: no player may pitch on three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts.

What is the Pitch Smart pitching safety program?

Pitch Smart is a joint program from Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. It recommends age-appropriate pitch limits, emphasis on fastball-changeup development before breaking pitches, and avoiding pitching through fatigue. These are recommendations, not Little League rules, but following them protects your players.

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