THE THREE IN ONE DRILL

PART II – SET IV

Part II – Set IV

I. Purpose:

• To practice and perfect the pitcher's pick off moves to all bases
• To teach the pitchers the “compact arm” for quickness on pick off throws.
• To teach the infielders proper timing on pick off attempts.
• To teach the pitchers and infielders the basic pick off philosophy:
  1. Control the base runner’s primary lead off base by…”scaring the hell out of him!” An out is a bonus!
  2. Pick off throws should be “late” rather than “early.”
  3. If there is a breakdown in timing or execution of a pick off attempt at second base or third base…Do not throw to that base! No Play! No Throw!

Pick Offs Drill

II. Procedure :

• Pitchers
1. Each pitcher has a baseball.
2. Three pitchers abreast:
   • One pitcher on the mound.
   • One pitcher on the grass by the third base side of the mound near the cutout /dirt area.
   • One pitcher on the grass by the first base side of the mound near the cut out/dirt area.



3. All other pitchers should line up behind the pitcher on third base side this keeps them away from pick off throws to second base.
4. Rotation is counterclockwise (Pitcher /Third Base to Pitcher/Second Base to Pitcher/First Base to end of line.
5. Three pickoffs at each station and then rotate.



• Infielders/Catchers
  1. Shortstop/Second Baseman in positions alternate taking pick off throws from pitcher.
  2. Catchers - behind home plate.
  3. First Baseman - holding imaginary runner at first base.
  4. Third Baseman - at third base position.
• Pick Offs
  1. Pick off plays imitated by the pitcher are designed to control the base runner’s “primary lead” off a base.
  2. A solid defensive philosophy should be designed to – “Scare the hell out of the runner!” A put out should be considered a bonus.
  3. This philosophy does two things:
     • It controls the base runner's actions.
     • It decreases the chances of a wild throw to a base, allowing the runner or runners to advance, by eliminating desperate inaccurate and too hard throws to the base
  4. A pick off throw should be “too late” to a base rather than “too early.”
     • This prevents wild throws in the event there is a break down in timing between the pitcher and infielder.
     • Pitcher must know that he does not have to throw to second base or third base should the proper execution of the play fail.
     • The pitcher should step-off the rubber whenever the timing of the pick off play breaks down. This sends a message to the base runner that he must be cautious thus achieving the desired result without making a needless, risky throw.
• Pitcher/First Baseman - Pitcher practices pick off moves to base.
• Coaching Points:
  1. Compact arm for quickness.
  2. Compact arm is achieved by.
     • Keeping hand/fingers on top of the ball.
     • Not dropping the ball below the belt area when making the pick off throw.
  3. Right-handed pitcher should practice throwing to first base from all the following position�throws are from the set position.
     • On the way up.
     • On the way down.
     • At the bottom.
  Left-handed pitchers to be successful, arm angle must be three quarters or lower�overhand arm angle pick off attempts are very seldom successful.
  4. • Regular move - A very simple and highly affective action for the left-handed pitcher is as follows:
       • Look the base runner in the eye – eyeball to eyeball!
       • Come to the balance point.
       • Turn head toward home plate.
       • Either pick to first base or deliver to the plate.
     • ALL MOVES OF THE HEAD SHOULD BE DELIBERATE AND SHARP!
     • QUICK STEP BACK MOVE - This move should be used in a running situation where the runner breaks on the pitchers first movement.
       • Ideally, this is 3-2 count and two outs move
       • OVER USED - IT LOSES ITS EFFECTIVENESS.
       • Pitcher steps quickly back off the rubber�he is now an infielder and does not have to throw to first base.
       • Pitcher makes a quick side arm throw to first base.

• The proper position for the first baseman when holding the runner at first base is to have both feet shoulder width apart and pointing toward the pitcher.
• The right foot is next to the inside corner of the base closes to second base. The left foot is parallel to the right foot and pointing toward the mound. This stance does two things. It enables the first baseman to:
  1. Be able to move laterally for errant throws.
  2. Avoid contact or being entangled with the base runner on bad pick off attempts.
• Standing sideways to the pitcher when covering first base totally commits the first baseman to a perfect throw from the pitcher, costs him lateral movement and guarantees entanglement with the base runner on errant throws.
• Ask yourself – “How often does a pick off attempt result in a put out?” The answer – “very seldom” verses the number of throws that are made to first base.
• Therefore, baseball is a game of percentages, so play the throw (first baseman in proper stance) and not the tag! (First baseman standing sideways.)
• Playing the throw is consistent with the pick off philosophy of controlling the base runner's primary lead, disrupting his timing and "scaring the hell out of him!" It will also result in fewer throws getting by the first baseman and extra bases for the offense.

• To teach the proper mechanics and timing for the pick off play to third base.
• To reinforce the basic pick off philosophy of “scaring the hell out of the runner!”
• To reinforce the concept of a “late” pick off throw rather than an “early” pick off throw.
• To emphasize “no cheap” runs at third base, which may result from a poor pick off attempt… “No play!” No throw!”

• Pitcher with a baseball on the third base side of the mound.
• Third baseman in pick off position�which is in closer to the base line and slightly behind the base.
• Third baseman puts the sign on, breaks for third base to receive the pitcher's throw.
• Pitcher throws to third baseman covering third base.

• Because base runners will break on the pitcher's first movement, this play is especially effective when the bases are loaded, there are two outs and the hitter has a 3-2 count.
• This scenario leaves the base runner at third base highly vulnerable to the picked off play.
• The pitcher/third baseman pick off play will also work well against an overly aggressive base runner one who takes a large lead off third base, fakes the steal of home and attempts to distract the pitcher.
• DOver use of this play will diminish its effectiveness.

• Must “cheat” in and over toward third base…how far will depend upon individual quickness and can be determined when practicing this drill – normally the third baseman will be even with or slightly back of the base.
• Faking the runner at third base by taking a left... right step toward the base will help set up the play. The fake steps condition both the base runner and the third base coach to this action and when the actual pick off play is on, they concede the first two steps before reacting. This greatly enhances the chances of picking the runner off base.
• Giving the pick off play signs:
  1. The sign for the pick off at third base should be both verbal as well as physical to insure no slipups resulting in a “cheap” run scoring.
  2. If the third baseman breaks for the third base and the pitcher delivers to home plate, his position is left wide open and the chance for a base hit on a ball hit to the left side of the infield is greatly increased.
  • Verbal Sign – “Come on right-hander” or “Come on left-hander” as the case may be.
  • Physical Sign - The third baseman brings his glove to his left breast and holds it there.
• With a right-handed pitcher on the mound, throwing from the set position, the third baseman keys on the pitcher’s “left foot” and breaks for third base when he lifts it up.
• With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, the pitcher will take his sign in the windup position. The third baseman keys on the pitchers head. He breaks toward third base when the pitcher "nods" his head.
• Receiving the pitcher's throw:
  • The third baseman breaks for a position on the inside/infield side of third base and squares up to the pitcher.
  • This position allows for lateral movement and clearance from the base runner should the pitcher's throw be off target.
  • Ideally, the third baseman should be at the base a second or two before the pitcher releases the ball.
  • When it is determined that the throw is accurate the third base man can step back across the base with his right foot and make the tag.
  • Straddling the base increases the chances of the base runner getting between the third baseman and the ball resulting in the ball getting away from the third baseman. This can happen even though the pitcher's throw is accurate.
    • It occurs when the base runner fails to slide when returning to third base (comes back standing up) and gets his body between the ball and the fielder.
    • Screening the fielder off from the ball and giving up a "cheap run" is often the result if the runner does not slide and the third baseman is behind the base.
    • If the base runner slides back into the base, there is usually no problem.

• Right-Handed Pitcher:
  1. Receives third baseman's verbal or physical sign and replies with a "brush down" on either shirt or pants with his glove or bare hand to acknowledge the sign.
  2. Comes to "SET POSITION."
  3. Begins pitching motion coming to balance position�very deliberately.
  4. Steps directly toward third base and makes a three quarter arm angel throw to the base.
  5. Attention! It is a BALK if the entire free foot breaks the plane of the back edge of the pitcher's rubber and the pitcher throws to any base other than second base or home plate.
  6. Don’t over throw! That is…try to throw too hard resulting in an inaccurate throw… “No cheap runs at third base!”
• Left-Handed Pitcher:
  1. This pickoff attempt differs from the right-handed pitcher’s pick off at third base. The left-handed pitcher’s pick off attempt originates from the “windup position” as opposed to the “set position” used by the right-handed pitcher.
  2. The pitcher receives the third baseman’s verbal or physical sign and replies with a “brush down” on either his shirt or pants with his glove or bare hand.
  3. Pitcher’s left foot is on the rubber and his right foot is farther back to facilitate the throw to third base. The toe of the right foot should be opposite the instep/heel of the left foot. This position makes it easier for the pitcher to open his hips and step directly toward third base. Throwing across the body increases the chance of a wild throw and giving up a “cheap run!”
  4. While standing on the rubber (windup position) and acting as if he were getting the sign from the catcher, the pitcher “nods his head!”
  5. The nod of the head is the third baseman’s “key” to break for third base…pitcher’s nod must be distinct!
  6. Pitcher should watch the third baseman break for the base using his peripheral vision.
  7. Pitcher should open up, step directly toward third base with his free right foot, and make a side arm throw as the third baseman approaches the base.
  8. Don’t “over throw!” That is… try to throw too hard. This usually results in an inaccurate, wild throw…no cheap runs!
  9. Most runners are picked off third base because they transfer their weight prematurely and are caught with their weight on the wrong foot; therefore, a firm, accurate well-timed throw is the key and is all that is necessary.

To be continued in Newsletter #69 for March 2006.

Good Luck!

For further instructions on this drill see JNL #69 March 2006.