subject: Mlb Pickoff Leaders - Controlling the Running Game From the Mound [print this page] Mlb Pickoff Leaders Mlb Pickoff Leaders
The most obvious way to control the running game is to work on the pick off move. There really isn't any excuse for a left handed pitcher to not have a good move to first base. However, too many lefties have predictable moves to first and are easy to pick up. Left handed pitchers need to utilize all of the 45 degrees that is given to him when stepping towards first. I would even suggest, going beyond the 45 degree angle because most amateur games will not have an umpire in position to really make a judgment call on the angle taken. The lefty needs to work on making that move as similar as possible to the delivery to the plate. Most good left handed pickoff moves are balks, but they really aren't unless they are called balks by the umpire. In most cases they don't make that call.
The right handed pitcher needs to work on two things: quick footwork and changing the timing in the set position. Without the quick feet the right handed pitcher doesn't have a chance to pick anyone off. Along with the quickness, the pitcher needs to keep the throw to first short and quick as well. Too many pitchers throw to first base like they are throwing to the plate with a long arm motion, this extra split second makes it more difficult to catch the runner and gives him another step on the lead. Mlb Pickoff Leaders
Probably more important for the right handed pitcher is to change their timing on the set position in order to keep the runner from picking up on a pattern and getting a great jump. Quick pitch, hold until someone calls time, step off the rubber after a few seconds; these are all things the pitcher can do to disrupt the runners timing. The key is to be able to do this without losing the focus on the batter.
The slide step (delivering the ball without lifting the leg) is another way to disrupt the running game; however, I only recommend using a slide step on either a pitchout or when you feel the runner is stealing. Too often young pitchers screw up their timing on the pitch from utilizing the slide step, in addition, velocity is lost on the fastball.
Pitchers can implement all of these techniques to slow down the running game and remember, pitchers don't need to pick off runners to prevent base runners from stealing. To shorten a lead by a step or cause the runner to wait half a second longer on his break, is enough to keep runners at bay or give the catcher a chance. Mlb Pickoff Leaders
Mlb Pickoff Leaders - Controlling the Running Game From the Mound
