Taking a step back during the pitch
 

Rule book is at home. Fed Ball. The pitcher steps on the plate with both feet with her hands separated, takes the sign and then starts her pitch. 1) After she brings her hands together she takes a step back with her non-pivot foot. Illegal pitch? 2) Before she brings her hands together starts to takes a step back with her non pivot foot. Legal pitch?

Thanks
Bugg

1) Yes. 2) Yes.

But the hands can be joined during the step back ("step backward may end before or after the hands come together").

The rule says if a backward step is taken, it must BEGIN before the hands come together. Dave