Pickoff to third

Question
Hey, I'm a righty and today my high school coach tried to tell me that if there is a runner on third, and I try to pick him off with a deception move, i don't have to throw over once i step towards the plate...I didn't believe him...is this true?

Answer
This rule is a little wierd.  First of all, you CAN fake (called a feint) a pickoff throw to 2nd or 3rd base, whereas if you fake a pickoff throw to first base without first clearly stepping off the rubber, you'll get a balk.  With this being said, there are many, many ways to balk.  Some things are always called, some are only called by the most picky of umpires, and some are only understood by the best of umpires.  In relation to your situation, if you raise your leg and step within a 45 degree angle to third base and don't cross your lift leg past your pivot leg you can feint a throw (not throw it).  However, if you break that 45 degree angle or start your momentum towards home plate in any way and then come down without throwing, a good umpire is going to balk the runner from third in to score.