Rules

Little League Pitching Rules — Complete Guide for Coaches

Little League Pitching Rules

Little League pitching rules go beyond pitch count limits and rest days. This page covers the other pitching rules coaches need to know — 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

Balk rules in Little League are enforced beginning at the Majors level but with less strictness than MLB rules. The umpire has discretion to warn 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

In Minor League divisions, balks are typically not enforced. Coaches should teach proper mechanics but expect leniency from umpires at younger ages.

Mound Visits

Coaches are allowed one offensive trip to the mound per pitcher per inning. On the second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. The pitcher can move to another defensive position (subject to the catcher-to-pitcher rule) and may return to pitch in a later inning.

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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

If a pitcher hits three batters in the same game, the pitcher must be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game. This is a safety rule specific to youth baseball.

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

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

Yes, in Majors and below. A pitcher can move to another position and return to pitch later in the game. However, 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.

What is the "smart baseball" pitching safety recommendation?

Little League's Pitch Smart program recommends age-appropriate pitch limits, emphasis on fastball-changeup development before breaking pitches, and avoiding pitching through fatigue. These are recommendations, not rules — but following them protects your players.

Rizzler tracks every pitching rule automatically. Sign up free and let the app handle compliance while you focus on coaching.