Baseball is a game of inches. For pitchers, being able to effectively pick off runners at first base can make all the difference between a win and a loss. As a long-time player and coach, I’ve seen the impact a good pick-off move can have. In this article, I’ll share 8 tips to help young pitchers master this important skill.
The key to an effective pick-off move is deception, timing, and efficiency of motion. Mastering a quick, deceptive move while maintaining focus on the batter takes practice and commitment.
1. Use Multiple Pick-Off Moves
Having only one move to first base is a dead giveaway. Even little leaguers will learn to read this pretty quickly. That’s why it’s essential to work on at least two different moves. This could be a traditional spin move and a step off. Or quick throw overs mixed with a knee buckle. Using multiple moves intermittently will keep the runners guessing.
2. Disguise Your Grip
Many pick-off throws are wasted by telegraphing them with your grip. As you bring your hands together, don’t clamp the ball in a four-seam grip or you’ll tip off the runner. Keep your hands relaxed like you would in your normal pitching motion. You want the grip concealed until the last possible moment.
3. Synchronize Your Footwork
The feet and hands must work in sync for an effective move. As you lift your front leg, pull the ball into your glove to conceal it. Time both motions so they finish together as you make your throw. Rushing or lagging with the hands will sabotage the deception. Practice synchronizing foot and hand work until it becomes second nature.
4. Rotate Your Head and Shoulders
Signaling a pick-off starts with the upper body. As your foot lifts, swivel your head and lead shoulder towards first base. This turns will pull your hips and create momentum into the throw. But don’t overdo it too soon. A modest shoulder rotation that builds is better than jerking your head around. Work up to a fluid motion over time.
5. Get Proper Extension
Don’t short-arm the throw on pick-offs. Hustle through the motion and get full extension of your arm, reaching out towards the first baseman’s mitt. This adds velocity and an exclamation point as the ball pops into the glove. Even if the runner dives back, your extension indicates a serious attempt that will plant a seed of doubt.
6. Maintain Leg Strength
Executing repeat pick-off attempts requires strong legs, especially hip flexors and quadriceps. As a pitcher accumulates innings, that strength fades if not properly maintained. Use wall sits, squats, lunges, and other leg exercises to keep legs fresh. Strong legs will keep pick-off moves crisp as pitch counts rise during a season.
7. Quickly Reset After a Throw
A pick-off attempt means resetting your delivery to the plate. How quickly you can do so affects success. After releasing the throw, don’t watch its results. Immediately get back on the rubber, separate hands, take your sign. This rapid reset establishes rhythm to deliver your next pitch. Taking extra seconds telegraphs a throw-over’s lingering impact on you.
8. Sell It With Body Language
Successful pick-off attempts utilize body language before, during, and after the throw. Look frequently at the runner to signal awareness and intent. Get a little extra hop lifting your leg to emphasize the move. And finish with a confident posture, watching the ball into the first baseman’s glove. Even if the runner dives back, assertiveness can plant seeds of doubt that pay off later.
9. Study the Greats
As a boy growing up in Georgia, I remember studying Greg Maddux’s pick-off moves frame-by-frame on VHS tapes. The way he subtly turned his wrist just before stepping towards first hinted at his deception. His smooth acceleration into throws built momentum that popped in the first baseman’s mitt.
Maddux picked off 11 runners one season thanks to his cerebral approach. He was always thinking two steps ahead, varying his looks and sequences. His reputation alone changed games by discouraging runners from taking aggressive leads.
Young pitchers should study tape on the great pick-off artists. Tom Glavine, Andy Pettitte, and especially lefties who mastered the move despite disadvantages. Take note of their timing, variations, and how they sell deception with body language. How did they reset and refocus after attempts? What made runners react and retreat? The nuances that earn respect provide an education.
Putting in this film study lets young hurlers stand on the shoulders of giants. Greatness leaves blueprints if you look closely. And today’s tools provide even more ways to glean wisdom. Studying the best arms of the past and present accelerates each new generation’s progress.
10. Stay Unpredictable
The worst habit is becoming predictable with pick-off attempts. Once a runner detects a pattern, the element of surprise is lost. That’s why it’s crucial to stay unpredictable by varying location, sequence, timing, moves, and post-attempt recovery.
I train my pitchers to avoid patterns like always throwing after taking a sign, making the first attempt within the first three pitches, going for two attempts in a row, or throwing only after shaking off signs. Vary your sequences, change up your motion’s tempo, pause in your stretch unexpectedly. Keep the runner anxious and leaning rather than getting comfortable picking up your tendencies.
In games, I constantly remind pitchers to “stay unpredictable.” This means following your instincts in the moment rather than sticking with predetermined formulas. If your gut says the time is right for a surprise throw-over, trust it. Keep the other dugout off-balance with your anti-patterns and imaginative sequences.
11. Develop a Quick Move
Having one go-to “quick move” with a simple leg lift and short stride towards first is an essential tool. This no frills pick-off lets you snap off attempts with minimal motion. All it requires is selling the quick lift of the leg before firing over.
I have my pitchers practice quick moves relentlessly in training. Rep after rep honing the abbreviated footwork and synchronized hand motion. It becomes muscle memory, allowing surprise attempts without telegraphing.
In games, flash the quick move sparingly to capitalize on moments of complacency. After two tedious pick-off throws, hit the runner with the quick pop he doesn’t expect. Or flash it just before the 3-2 pitch when concentration flags. Like a sniper, only reveal this stealth weapon strategically for high leverage situations. Just the threat forces respect of your agility.
12. Sell It With Eyes and Body
Veteran pick-off artists know it’s about more than just the throw itself. Your eyes, posture, and gestures build in deception long before the attempt.
I teach pitchers to “sell with their eyes” by ostentatiously glancing at the runner before looking in for the sign. This signals your intent and plants a seed of doubt. Likewise, exaggerated shoulder shrugs and neck rolls hint that a throw is coming.
On the actual attempt, get an extra hop on your leg lift for emphasis. Follow through fully with your arm extension and finish for effect. And don’t get pulled off balance or distracted by watching the results.
Like actors on a stage, pitchers must sell the bluff with their eyes and bodies. A pick-off starts before the first foot comes off the rubber. Master craftsmen have a knack for this art of deception that creates indecision and half-steps.
Conclusion
Mastering the pick-off is an incremental process requiring imagination, athleticism, and hours of practice. Break the skill down into components like proper gripping, disguising intent, quick footwork, full extension, resetting, and confident body language. Each element builds towards seamless execution that gives nothing away to the runner.
This arsenal of moves taxes runners’ concentration while disrupting their leads and stealing momentum. An effective pick-off changes the whole at-bat’s psychology to the pitcher’s advantage. The threat creates hesitation on the runner’s part and forces the batter to protect him. And it brings tremendous confidence to the pitcher, a weapon that can alter outcomes and decide games.
Those dramatic moments validate all the solitary hours pitchers invest honing this skill. Partial gains reveal themselves steadily at first, then accelerate as nuances come together. With mature technique comes intuition to know just when to unleash a deceptive move. The journey’s long but fulfilling road brings its own rewards to those committed to mastering the art of the pick-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important mechanics to focus on?
Disguising your intent and grip while synchronizing efficient foot and hand motions. Also having multiple moves in your arsenal. Mastering these basics builds a foundation for effective pick-off execution.
How much should I practice pick-offs versus other pitching skills?
At least 20% of pitching practice sessions should incorporate pick-off drills. But don’t overdo it too soon while learning. Work up gradually from 5-10 quality attempts to 20 per session based on arm strength.
What pick-off moves are easiest for young pitchers to learn?
The traditional spin move with a straight lift and turn of the lead leg. Also quick simple throw-overs followed immediately by a pitch. Work on finesse and footwork first before adding elaborate fakes and knee bends.
How do I know if a pick-off attempt is worth it or not?
If the runner takes an aggressive lead, it’s worth attempting to keep him honest and interrupt momentum. But avoid unnecessary attempts that slow pace and distract focus. Watch for clues in the runner’s lean, primary lead, and reactions.
What practice drills build an effective pick-off?
Footwork drills for smooth weight transfers. Mirror work learning to disguise grip and intent. Pick-off tag with a partner maintaining form. And blind throw-overs to first without watching the results.
How can I tell if my pick-off move is improving?
Increased crispness and rhythm in the motion. Seeing glimpses of deception against practice batters. Reduced telegraphing of intent through better body language. Most of all, feedback from coaches seeing technical progress.
What makes a pick-off attempt successful even if the runner dives back?
Forcing the runner to stop momentum and retreat establishes threat. So does eliciting a hurried, scrambling reaction as he dives back. These show the runner was legitimately threatened and impacted.
How do I maintain pick-off effectiveness deeper into games?
Staying on top of scouting reports to vary sequences and moves. Maintaining leg strength through training. Quickly refocusing after attempts rather than watching the play. Staying committed mentally to utilize it regardless of game situation.
What common mistakes undermine pick-off success?
Gripping the ball too early and obviously. Lagging or rushing footwork relative to hands. Rotation that’s too abrupt or overly smooth. Watching throw results rather than immediately resetting. Telegraphing intent through tentative moves.
How can I help young pitchers master the pick-off?
Breaking down footwork and grip techniques in simple progressions. Providing quality repetitions in practice for skill-building. Giving consistent feedback on specific mechanics to improve. Building proper leg and core strength needed. Instilling confidence and commitment required to utilize it.
