What happens
TODO: describe the No-Step Balk in plain English.
Why it's a balk
TODO: explain the rationale — what the rule is protecting against.
How to avoid it
TODO: what the pitcher should do differently.
Video examples
Video example coming soon.
Rule sets / OBR / No-Step Balk
No-Step Balk
A pitcher must step toward the base he is throwing to. Failing to do so is a balk.
If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when the pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base.
Rule 6.02(a)(3) Comment: Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk.
A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base and is required to throw (except to second base) because he steps. It is a balk if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher steps toward third and does not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. It is legal for a pitcher to feint a throw to second base.