Fastpitch Softball: Understanding Balks and Illegal Pitches

Question
QUESTION: If a pitcher begins her windmill pitch and stops before delivering a pitch, is this a balk.

ANSWER: There is no balk in fastpitch.

This would be deemed an illegal pitch.

Tom

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QUESTION: would it be considered a ball, with baserunners advancing a base.

Answer
An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball.  The offence has the option of taking the outcome of the play if the ball is hit or something else happens that the offense likes.  You are correct, the penalty for an illegal pitch is a ball to the batter with all baserunners advancing one base.

Tom