FED Balk Rule & Mechanic

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by pastordoug

What do you look for when you have a LH Pitcher who seemingly has a very good move? Reason for asking is I know the rule states it is a balk by "failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base"..... Seemed to have a timing issue tonight (first game this season?) Coach seemed to think there was a rule about 45 degrees.... Any help ???

The FED rule does not mention 45 degrees, but the case play does, so your coach was correct:

6.2.4 SITUATION B: With R1 on first, F1 attempts a pickoff while stepping at an
angle but to the home plate side. RULING: Balk. To comply with the requirement
to “step directly toward,” F1 must step to the first-base side of a 45-degree angle
between center of pitcher’s plate and between home and first base. (6-2-4b)

I'm not sure what timing has to do with this...