Jump turn to 1B/Throw to unoccupied base

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by mbyron

As Bob points out, a jump turn IS a step to a base, since the front foot gains "distance and direction" toward the base.

Not necessarily, because a pitcher doesn't always "gain ground." He must do so for it to be legal. If he does not gain ground, it's a balk. I had this occur last week in a D3 NCAA game. The pitcher did his jump turn, but his nonpivot foot (left foot, since he was a righty) just spun in its place as he turned toward first.

The NCAA has emphasized that its umpires watch this, as I guess they believe too many pitchers are, in fact, spinning and not really jumping and turning and gaining ground.