Abstract: A media pick method includes receiving an initiation signal, causing a media pick system to complete a series of wait, forward move and reverse move pick actions, and causing the media pick system to complete the last of the series of forward move pick actions in conjunction with a feed roll motor's de-skew move. Reversing a direction of a pick motor enables a gear train to reset and allow momentum to build before engaging the paper on a second forward pick try. Repeats of pick pulses applies a proper balance of shear and normal forces on media.