If a batter steps from one box to the other, is it legal as long as they establish position before the pitcher separates hands?

• A. True
• B. False

Answer: (B)

In NCAA softball, once the batter is in the box, they must maintain their position until the pitch is delivered. If the batter steps out of the box, they cannot step into the other box; doing so can be considered an illegal action. The batter must remain in their designated box until the pitcher begins the pitching motion, which is when the hands separate. If the batter was to step into the other box during this time, it would be deemed illegal, leading to potential penalties, such as a strike being called. Therefore, the assertion that stepping from one box to the other is legal is incorrect; the batter must stay in their original box throughout the pitcher's delivery.