A new rule in effect this spring should have a significant impact on high school softball in Illinois. It won’t be as big as the IHSA pushing the pitching rubber back three-feet like they did in 2010, but it’s still going to affect strategy. Batters no longer have to make an attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch. Rockridge softball coach Jason Lingle likes the rule change.
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The rule also clarifies that the batter cannot lean into a pitch.