Pickoff Plays Become Part of the Game

Pitchers need:

• Pickoff moves to first, second, and third.

• Awareness of runner tendencies. Are they likely to steal. 

• Timing variations (holding the ball longer one pitch, and shorter the next)

• Slide step to the plate vs high leg kick (slide step helps get the ball to the plate quicker) 

Infielders learn:

• Timing for coverage.  It is important that the right fielder cover 2B.

• Daylight plays. Where SS, 2B, and 3B give a sign to the pitcher to pick a runner off.

• Catcher signals.  Catcher can drop their glove to tell the pitcher to throw to second. 

• Catcher can give a signal to step off if the runner is too far of the base.

• First-and-third defenses.

Outfielders learn:

• Backing up bases on picks offs.  Once you see the ball thrown you need to move.