pitchers foot position

Question
It is my understanding that a high school fast pitch pitcher does not need to have both feet touching the pitcher's plate. At what point is she allowed to step back? I thought once the delivery starts that all motion needed to be forward.

Answer
You are correct, only the pivot foot needs to be in contact with the pitcher's plate when motion starts.  There can be a step back with the stride foot as long as the step back starts before the hands come together.  The step back can finish after the hands come together, but it must start prior to the hands coming together.

Any step that starts after the hands come together must be towards the batter.

Tom