What does F1 need to do when stepping back off the pitcher's plate with a runner on?

When a pitcher, referred to as F1, steps back off the pitcher's plate with a runner on base, performing a legal feint is necessary to avoid a balk. This action signifies a commitment to engage the play. A legal feint is a motion that simulates the act of throwing but does not result in an actual pitch. This is crucial in maintaining the proper pace and integrity of the game, as it allows the pitcher to indicate to the runner that they are prepared to make a play without committing an illegal action that could grant the runner an advantage.

In contrast, making no movements may lead to confusion or an automatic balk, as the pitcher must demonstrate activity or intention. Stepping before disengaging is not an applicable rule in this context, as the focus is on the actions taken once F1 has left the pitcher's mound. The option to only throw when certain does not address the necessity of making a legal feint in such scenarios, highlighting that simply holding the ball without a legal motion does not effectively manage the potential threat of the runner.