Balk Question?

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From the wind-up position, both situations would be a Balk in Fed.

From the set position, the first situation might be seen as a "jab step" - if it is done quickly and with a small step - jab! - toward 3rd. If it is not done so (quickly and with a small step), then I would see it as a balk - illegal disengagement of the rubber.

From the set position, second situation appears to me to be a balk because the free foot gained no distance toward first (poor attempt at a jab step) as the free foot just spun in place after the pivot foot did a jab at toward 3rd.

That's how I'm seeing it if I'm reading you description correctly...