Pivot Foot Contact in Pitching: Maintaining Connection for Optimal Delivery

Question
Once your pivot foot makes contact with the rubber in the windup, does it have to remain in contact with the rubber during the whole process of delivering the pitch to the plate?

Answer
hi nate
thanks for the question!

in theory, the pitcher's pivot foot should remain in contact with the rubber during the whole process of delivering the pitch. some times a pitcher will slightly lift his foot as he shifts his weight back and then will block his pivot foot so that it is parallel with the rubber. in most cases this will not be called a balk.

hope this helps.
steve