Pickoffs

Introduction

Importance of Pickoff Plays

Holding runners on and executing pickoff plays are crucial in baseball to disrupt the base runner's rhythm and prevent them from easily stealing bases or taking extra bases. This strategic play involves the pitcher varying the time they hold the ball and having a quick delivery to the plate to keep runners uncomfortable and less likely to attempt a steal.

Basic Rules for Pitchers

Windup vs Set position

Pivot Foot: The foot that stays in contact with the pitching rubber during the pitching motion.

Free Foot: The foot that can be positioned anywhere, as long as it's not in front of the pivot foot in the set position.

Windup: A slower, more complex pitching motion used when there are no runners on base. The pitcher starts with both feet on the rubber and can take a step back or to the side with his free foot before delivering the pitch.

Set (Stretch): A faster, simpler pitching motion used when there are runners on base. The pitcher starts with his pivot foot on the rubber and his free foot in front, holding the ball with both hands in front of his body.

What are the key differences between the windup vs the stretch?

Speed: The windup is slower than the set position, allowing for more deception but less control over runners.
Complexity: The windup involves more movement and steps than the set position, which is a simpler, more compact motion.
Foot Placement: In the windup, the pitcher's feet can be positioned anywhere on the rubber. In the set position, the pivot foot must be in contact with the rubber, and the free foot cannot be in front of the pivot foot.
Body Orientation: In the set position, the pitcher's shoulders should face the base where runners might be (first base for lefties, third base for righties).

When to use each

- Windup: Typically used when there are no runners on base, as it allows for more deception and can be more comfortable for some pitchers.
- Set (Stretch): Used when there are runners on base, as it allows for quicker delivery to the plate, giving runners less time to steal bases. It's also used by relief pitchers, who often enter the game with runners on base.

Note: At Havoc, we teach our pitchers to pitch exclusively from the set (stretch) position, regardless of whether there are runners on base or not. This approach simplifies pitching mechanics and helps pitchers maintain consistency in their delivery.

Legal Set Position

The set position, also known as the stretch, is a pitching position used when there are runners on base or when a pitcher prefers a simplified motion. In the set position, the pitcher stands with his pivot foot touching the pitching rubber and his free foot in front, while holding the ball with both hands in front of his body.

Pivot foot: The pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching rubber. The pitcher can position the pivot foot on either the extreme front or back edge of the rubber, or anywhere in between.
Free foot: The free foot should be positioned in front of the pivot foot. The free foot cannot be placed outside the width of the pitching rubber. The pitcher can vary the distance between his feet to find a comfortable stance.
Hands: The pitcher must hold the ball with both hands in front of his body. The hands should be separated, with the ball either in the glove or the throwing hand. The hands should be positioned below the chin and above the belt.
Shoulders: The pitcher's shoulders should be facing the base where runners might be (first base for lefties, third base for righties). This positioning allows the pitcher to keep an eye on the runners and make pickoff attempts if necessary.
Head: The pitcher's head should be facing the catcher, allowing for clear communication and pitch selection. The head position should be comfortable and allow the pitcher to maintain balance throughout the pitching motion.

Stepping Off Legally

When stepping off the pitching rubber, the pitcher must ensure that he steps back with his pivot foot first. The pitcher's free foot can then follow, allowing him to step off the rubber and become an infielder. It is crucial to step back with the pivot foot first to avoid committing a balk, which would result in any runners on base advancing to the next base.

Once the pitcher has legally stepped off the rubber, he can make a pickoff attempt or play on any runner at any base.

Legal Pickoff Moves

Right-Handed Pitchers

Stepping off: To make a pickoff attempt at any base, a right-handed pitcher can first step off the rubber with his pivot foot. Once off the rubber, he becomes an infielder and can make a throw to any base without restriction. The pitcher is not required to throw the ball after stepping off.
Spin move ("Jump Turn"): A right-handed pitcher can also attempt a pickoff at second or third base by breaking contact with the rubber using a spin move. In this case, the pitcher's pivot foot must break from the rubber simultaneously while the front foot steps towards the base, and he must throw the ball to the base. Failure to complete the throw would result in a balk.
Step directly towards second or third base: Right-handed pitchers can step directly towards second or third base when attempting a pickoff. The step must be in a straight line towards the base.

Left-Handed Pitchers

Stepping off: Like right-handed pitchers, left-handed pitchers can step off the rubber with their pivot foot and become an infielder. Once off the rubber, they can make a throw to any base without restriction and are not required to throw the ball.
Spin move ("Jump Turn"): A left-handed pitcher can also attempt a pickoff at first or second base by breaking contact with the rubber using a spin move. In this case, the pitcher's pivot foot must break from the rubber simultaneously while the front foot steps towards the base, and he must throw the ball to the base. Failure to complete the throw would result in a balk.
Step directly towards first base: Left-handed pitchers can step directly towards first base when attempting a pickoff. The step must be in a straight line towards the base, and the pitcher must complete the throw.
- "45-degree rule": Left-handed pitchers have the additional option of the "45-degree rule." This allows them to step towards home plate as long as their first movement is at a 45-degree angle or less towards first base. This move can be deceptive for runners on first base. The pitcher must complete the throw to first base when using this move.

Types of Pickoff Plays

Static Plays

Static plays, also known as holding plays, are pickoff techniques used by the pitcher and the fielder covering the base to keep runners close to the bag and prevent them from getting too big of a lead. The purpose of static plays is to limit the runner's ability to steal bases or advance extra bases on hits or sacrifices.

The pitcher's primary role in static plays is to hold the ball on the rubber, keeping the runner at the base and preventing them from getting a substantial lead. The pitcher should vary their looks and timing to the plate, occasionally making pickoff throws or faking throws to keep the runner guessing and close to the base. When making a pickoff throw, the pitcher must follow the legal pickoff move requirements for their throwing arm (right-handed or left-handed) to avoid committing a balk.

The fielder, usually the first baseman, plays a crucial role in static plays by holding the runner close to the base. The fielder should position themselves in a way that allows them to receive a pickoff throw from the pitcher while also being able to quickly tag the runner if they stray too far from the base. The fielder should communicate with the pitcher, letting them know if the runner is taking a substantial lead or if a pickoff throw is necessary. If the pitcher makes a pickoff throw, the fielder must be ready to receive the ball and apply a swift, accurate tag on the runner if they are off the base.

Examples and diagrams

Timing Plays

Timing plays involve the pitcher and fielder working together to create a synchronized rhythm that can catch runners off guard. The pitcher and fielder should establish a set of signs or signals to communicate the timing of the pickoff attempt. By developing a consistent rhythm, the pitcher and fielder can execute the pickoff play with precision and catch the runner by surprise.

To keep runners guessing, the pitcher should vary the amount of time they hold the ball before making the pickoff throw. By alternating between quick pickoff moves and longer holds, the pitcher can disrupt the runner's timing and make it more difficult for them to get a good jump. The pitcher can also use a "slide step" to quicken their delivery to the plate, further throwing off the runner's timing.

Catching runners off guard

The key to successful timing plays is catching the runner when they least expect it. The pitcher and fielder can use the established rhythm to lull the runner into a false sense of security before executing the pickoff play. By varying the timing and using deception, the pitcher and fielder can catch the runner off balance and increase their chances of picking them off.

Examples and diagrams

Daylight Plays

Daylight plays involve the pitcher taking advantage of the runner's lead off the base to attempt a quick pickoff. The pitcher should be aware of the runner's tendencies and how far they typically lead off the base. By identifying situations where the runner is taking an aggressive lead, the pitcher can exploit this and attempt a snap throw to the base.

Snap throws are quick, short-arm throws made by the pitcher to the fielder covering the base. These throws are designed to be fast and accurate, giving the runner minimal time to react and return to the base. The pitcher should practice snap throws to perfect their technique and improve their accuracy.

To execute a successful daylight play, the pitcher must have a smooth, quick motion from the stretch position to the throw. The pitcher should start by coming set on the rubber, ensuring they are in a legal position to deliver the pitch or make a pickoff move. As the pitcher begins their motion, they should quickly turn their head to check the runner's lead before making the snap throw to the base. The pitcher's arm motion should be short and compact, allowing for a fast release and accurate throw. After making the throw, the pitcher should follow through towards the base, ensuring they maintain balance and are ready to field any potential return throw.

Examples and diagrams

Inside and Reverse Moves

Inside move

The inside move is a pickoff technique used by right-handed pitchers to pick off runners at first base. This move involves the pitcher faking a throw to third base before quickly turning and throwing to first base.

To execute the inside move, the pitcher starts by stepping slightly towards third base with their lead foot. As the pitcher begins the motion, they quickly turn their body towards first base, making a short, quick throw to the first baseman. The goal is to catch the runner off guard, as they may be leaning towards second base expecting the pitcher to throw to third.

Reverse move

The reverse move is a pickoff technique used by left-handed pitchers to pick off runners at first base. This move involves a left-handed pitcher faking a throw to first base before quickly turning and throwing to third base, OR a right-handed pitcher faking a throw to third base before quickly turning and throwing to first base.

To execute the reverse move, the pitcher starts by making a full move and step to the base directly in front of them, as if they were going to make a pickoff throw. Instead of throwing to the base, the pitcher quickly rotates their body towards the base on the opposite side of them (behind them), making a short, quick throw to the fielder covering the bag. The goal is to catch the runner off guard, as they may be leaning back towards first base expecting the pitcher to make a pickoff throw.

Legality considerations

Inside and reverse moves are legal pickoff techniques as long as the pitcher adheres to the balk rules. For the inside move, the pitcher must step directly across their body towards second base. For the reverse move, the pitcher's initial motion must be towards the base directly in front of them. They must complete their step towards that base before turning to the base directly behind them (first to third for a LH pitcher, or third to first for a RH pitcher).

Pitchers should practice these moves under the guidance of a coach to ensure they are executing them legally and effectively.

Interesting Tidbits and FAQs

Is a balk a dead ball?
- A balk is a delayed dead ball. When you call a balk, verbalize it loudly. If the pitch is delivered, wait until the catcher receives the ball and then call time, announce the balk, and award bases. If on the pitch the ball is put in play, allow play to conclude. [UmpireBible]
  - NOTE: High school (NFHS) rules differ in that balks are an immediate dead ball, regardless of the outcome of the pitch.