Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/6/2008

Question
I'm a high school pitcher in North carolina.  Just this year, my coach has added emphasis to pickoffs.  I have a pretty good move, but I've had it called a balk a couple of times.  This is what I do:  As a lefty, I face first base in the stretch.  I come set, lift my leg, and place it down facing the plate.  I then proceed to pitch regularly, but I come over the top at a different angle, one that allows me to throw to first.  I throw to first, and allow my follow through to go towards first, thus carrying my momentum toward first base.  Is this a balk?

Answer
Joby,

If you step toward home, but throw to first, you have committed a balk.  The rule of thumb is that if you draw line pointing from the pitching rubber to halfway between home and first, your front foot must land in the half of the base that you throw to.

Hope this helps!

Brian