HS Balk on Pickoff Move

[MTDv2.0]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

In general, if their shoulders stay pointed toward the plate and they begin to raise only that free foot off the ground before moving their shoulders I'd have to say it's a balk because it looks like their normal delivery. If they want to make the pick without first turning their shoulders they need to jump off with both feet simultaneously in a jump turn to avoid a balk call. IMO.

Originally Posted by JJ

If you decide his move is toward first base, it's OK. If you decide he picks up his non-pivot foot in the same manner he does when he pitches the ball, balk him.JJ

It is not against the rules for the pick-off move to look like a normal delivery. In fact that is one of the hallmarks of a good pick-off move.

Once the pitcher, after coming to a complete and discernible stop, picks up the non-pivot foot there are really only 4 requirements for a legal delivery/feint to any of the 4 bases. The pitcher must:
A) not feint to home or 1st Base (NFHS R6-2-4a).
B) step directly toward the base to which he is throwing/feinting (NFHS R6-2-4b)
C) throw/feint to base in an attempt to put out/drive back a runner(NFHS R6-2-4b)
D) not pause between the lifting of the non-pivot foot and the step towards a base(NFHS R6-2-4d & NFHS CB 6.1.3 SIT. H)

It does not matter what the rest of their body does after the non-pivot foot is lifted to start the pitching motion/pick-off move. Some motions may look odd or even awkward but as long as the pitcher steps directly toward the base to which they are throwing/feinting and they are allowed to throw/feint to that base then they have not balked.