When F1 feints a throw but does not step toward the base, what happens?

When F1 feints a throw but does not step toward the base, the action is classified as a balk. This is due to the rules that govern the actions of pitchers in baseball. The key aspect of a legal pick-off attempt is that the pitcher must step directly toward the base to which he is attempting to throw. If the pitcher feints a throw without stepping towards the base, it constitutes an illegal action because it is seen as an attempt to deceive the baserunner. In such a case, the umpires are required to call a balk, which allows the baserunners to advance one base without any further action. Thus, the emphasis on stepping toward the base is crucial, and failure to do so during a feint results in this penalty.