[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by Rufus

Can a pitcher make a pick-off attempt from the stretch position? I would think the same restrictions as from the set position (e.g., must step to the bag, can't fake to 1st, etc.) would apply but I couldn't find anything allowing/disallowing it in a review of the USSSA rules regarding balks.

Any assistance in clarifying would be appreciated.

The stretch is a preliminary movement before the set. It's an option that still ends in a set. From the set position, the pitcher can step off, step and throw (feint to 2nd or 3rd), or pitch.

8.01 (c) At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before making the throw.