A balk is defined as "an unlawful act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base." This is due to the fact that he has nothing to lose—if the hitter does not get a base hit, the balk call stands. A balik is when the pitcher goes from his normal stance to a stretch-stance and then back again. There are three ways in which a balik can be executed: 1 The ball may be released before the batter reaches full extension; 2 The batter may be forced into an unnatural position during release of the ball (i.e., raised elbow); 3 The ball may be released while the pitcher's foot is off the ground (this includes jumping balls). A balik cannot be called unless there is a runner on first base or third base. If no runners are out, then it is not legal for the pitcher to go into a stretch-stance. In addition, a balik cannot be called if the batter takes more than four steps after receiving the ball. Whether or not this applies to pitchers who jump up with the ball is subject to debate among baseball people. However, since most pitchers do not have time to take more than four steps after releasing the ball, this rule should apply to them as well.