Is It a Balk? Faking a Pickoff to First Base

Learn why you can't fake a pickoff move to first base without being called for a balk. It constitutes a balk if a pitcher fakes a pick-off to first. 📣 My Books, Social Media, Shop, Courses & More 👉linktr.ee/danb...
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[@amac_1of1]

Extremely helpful thank you

[@chessbricks2134]

Very helpful coach, thanks.

[@DanBlewett]

You're very welcome!

[@canadapreston5452]

Usssa calls balks on fake throws to 3rd also

[@DanBlewett]

interesting

[@Mikejones011990]

I think that's a relatively new rule in MLB. Or maybe I'm thinking of the double fake pickoff, where they used to fake to third, turn around and fake (or did they always throw?) to first. It was pretty rare and never worked. It was like a slow, clumsy way to check out of a pitch.

[@lego_pop11]

Thank you❤

[@dlandes14]

So in our youth league the 3rd to 1st move is still legal. Can a pitcher fake to 3rd, turn/ replace feet (now disengaged from rubber) and seeing R1 has taken off already then run at him and throw to 2nd basemen who has cut down the basepath? Or does the pitcher have to throw to first after the fake to 3rd? Hopefully that makes sense lol

[@DanBlewett]

can throw wherever

[@Calbear707trees]

Is it only a balk to first. Meaning you can fake to second base and not be a balk?

[@DanBlewett]

correct

[@Calbear707trees]

@@DanBlewett thank you for replying. How about for a lefty- if he spins to 3rd base and fakes- is that or not a balk? (Thank you in advance. This if for my young lefty pitcher)

[@Mika-_.]

@@Calbear707treesI’m pretty sure, the rules for righties to third is the same for lefties to first. I’m 1 year late but I’ll say it anyway