Pushing off of the pitching plate is natural for an overhand throw. It is not part of the rule for SB as most if not all pitchers move forward if dragging the trailing foot. There is no constant contact. The advantage is with the crow hop that gives the pitcher the push off in front of the pitching plate. Either the rule should permit no pitcher to have both feet in the air at any discernable height or it should be amended to confine the pitcher to be in the circle and pitching lane if the latter is marked. Keely was outside of the latter a lot over the weekend. Overriding question: what is the advantage and is it unfair?