Pickoff moves for right- and left-handed pitchers

Setup

1. Pitchers on the mound, a first baseman holding on the bag, second baseman and shortstop at normal depth, and a catcher in full gear (helmet with mask, throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, cup) receiving any pitches.
2. Runners in helmets take live leads off first. They dive back head-first or step back standing, as the coach chooses; check your competition's rules on head-first slides.
3. Pitchers are warm through their throwing programme. Pickoff throws are short but hard: count them as part of the day's workload, and keep each pitcher to about 15–20 pickoff throws a session.
4. Recap the balk rules for the set position (check your competition's rules): come to a complete, visible stop with the hands together; step directly toward the base before throwing; no fake to first while on the rubber; stepping off the back of the rubber with the pivot foot first makes the pitcher an infielder who may throw or fake anywhere.
5. Some competitions limit how many times a pitcher may step off or pick per batter, and the fake to third then throw to first is a balk under professional rules but legal in some others. Check your competition's rules.

How it runs

1. Right-handers, jump turn: from the set, jump-turn the feet in one quick move, stepping toward first, and throw a short, firm throw to the first baseman's knees. 5 reps.
2. Right-handers, step-off: lift the pivot foot back off the rubber, then throw or just look. Use it to break the runner's timing. 3 reps.
3. Left-handers, leg-lift move: lift exactly as for a pitch, then step toward first and throw. The free foot must land toward first, not toward home (most umpires judge this with a 45° line). 5 reps.
4. Mix in pitches home: the pitcher varies how long they hold the set (1, 2, 3 seconds) and goes home or to first. Runners try to read the first move.
5. Picks to second: the pitcher turns (inside move toward the glove side) on a timing call with the shortstop or second baseman breaking to the bag. 3 reps each side.
6. Rotate pitchers every 5 reps so arms get rest, and rotate runners so each sees a right- and left-hander.

Coaching points

• Same look every time: the set position for the pickoff must look exactly like the set position for the pitch.
• Vary the hold time. Runners steal on rhythm; a pitcher who always holds for 1 second gives them a free jump.
• Right-handers: quick feet beat a strong arm. The throw only needs to be firm and at the knees on the bag.
• Left-handers: do not cross the back of the rubber with the free foot; once it passes behind, the pitcher must pitch.
• Step toward the base you throw to, gaining ground in that direction. Throwing across the body without a step is a balk.
• First baseman: give a target on the inside corner at knee height and tag straight down to the base, not out toward the runner.
• Runner: lead with the weight balanced, watch the pitcher's heel (right-hander) or front leg and head (left-hander).

Common mistakes

• Rolling through the set position without a full stop, which is a balk.
• Throwing to first without stepping toward it, or stepping toward home and then throwing to first.
• Left-hander's leg lift that looks different for picks than for pitches, so runners read it.
• Too many picks in a row: the arm tires and the runner learns nothing new.
• First baseman reaching out to tag the runner's hand instead of tagging the bag.