Right-handed pitcher - pickoff moves

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Runner on first base, pitcher pitching from the stretch. Three basic options for a right-handed pitcher. 1) Step back off the rubber with the pivot foot (he then becomes an infielder and pitching rules no longer apply), 2)搄ump-step?throw to first (I see most major leaguers using this method) and 3) pivot on right foot, step, and throw to first (the method I used for many years including college without ever getting called for a balk) I have met a few confused people who believe that a right-handed pitcher MUST disengage the rubber before making a pickoff move to first. As long as the pitcher does not lift his non-pivot foot in a motion that mimics his delivery to home plate, there should be no balk called. Do you agree with these comments?  Thanks,
Answer -
Tim,

After checking the rulebook, I'd have to say I agree with you.  The difficulty is in pivoting without moving the free foot in a way that mimics a pitch.

Frankly, I'm suprised you used this for a period of time without getting a balk called.  The rule is confusing and subject to so much judgement, that I'm surprised you didn't come up against an umpire who didn't understand it.

Anyway - thanks for helping me out with this one...

Brian

Sorry If I came off a little harsh. I believe I didn't get called for a balk back when I pitched bacause almost every righthanded pitcher used that (my) move to first. I believe somewhere along the way the Pro's found out that a "jump-step-throw" all in one motion was quicker than stepping and then throwing. Now most use that method but if you watch film of games from the 60's and 70's you'll see most pitchers with a move to first that never involves disengaging the rubber prior to the throw.
The key is the movement of the knee, if it makes a move up or towards home, it should be considered a balk. But if the pitcher simply turns-steps-throws, even with pivot foot squarely in the middle of the rubber, there should be no balk called.
I agree that there is now a misconception among coaches AND umpires that a right handed pitcher MUST disengage the rubber before throwing to first, and that if I pitched today I would probably get a few balks called against me by those who don't understand the rule and have fallen victim to the "he didn't disengage the rubber so it must be a balk" mentality. What the umpire SHOULD base his balk on is whether HE thought I was making a move home...not that I made a move, and didn't disengage, so it must be a balk!
The problem I have is that I am now working with 9-12 year olds who are holding runners on for the first time. Most of them aren't ready for the "jump-step" method and they are being taught to "step back and throw" which takes too much time and most runners are at second almost as soon as they arrive at first. I want to teach a better, easier and more effective move to first for these younger kids but it appears that I can't because of the "MUST disengage misconception". I even worked with a coach who agrees that it's not a balk but doesn't want to teach it because he knows there will be umpires that will call it a balk! That's a shame... with all the "allowances" given to a lefthanded pitcher it's a shame that one of the three options for a righthanded pitcher are being taken away!   Oh well I guess I'm venting ...thanks for your time and keep up the good work!

Answer
Tom,

It never hurts to learn a little bit.  I'm pretty sure that if I got the test they give to major league umpires, I would pass it, but would probably miss some of the questions based on the rulebook.

Keep working with those kids...they need good coaches!

Brian