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The relevant rules are: 8.01:
e) While on the pitching plate, the pitcher shall take the signal or appear to be taking the signal with the hands separated. The ball must remain in either the glove or pitching hand.
f) The pitcher shall hold the ball in one or both hands in front of the body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before starting the delivery.
g) A backward step may be taken before or simultaneously with the hands being brought together. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitching plate at all times prior to the forward step.
and
j) The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball after the hands have been placed together.
and
m) The pitcher must not make a stop or reversal of the forward motion after separating the hands.
So, yes, the hands must come together, but the backward step is legal.
In my experience, as others have noted, the better pitchers are either also in ASA, or coached by a private coach who also works with ASA pitchers, so most learn a delivery that does not take a backward step, even though LL, up thru Juniors (14U) and Seniors, and NFHS allow it. But if ASA isn't in their plan, some do tend to use the backward step, as that allows more forward movement, and more velocity, all else equal.
And, yes, there are still multiple references to no balk in softball.
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Panda Bear
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