Teaching Points:
All Players
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It is never good to show negative body language or show up the umpire (whether
the ump is right or wrong). A lot of umps will hold a grudge and be even tighter
on you if you do that. Don’t show emotion out there and don’t get caught up in
the umpires… Control what you can control.
We recommend keeping glove foot close to ground and only step forward as far
as able to continue to move the center of mass of body forward through release.
Need to keep hips under your upper body and head.
Tell players to not listen to spectators comments- either advise that the player
isn’t doing something right or a nasty comment. Players should just focus on the
game and listen to their own coaches.
Don’t want players to go hang out at pool on gamedays. Sit inside and drink
water and relax.
Center fielder and 1st baseman should always bring a baseball with them between
innings to warm up with. If we are on 1st base side dugout, then another player
needs to get a ball and warm up with the right fielder (if 3rd base dugout, then
player warms up with left fielder).
Must have a cup and mask if warming up a pitcher in the bullpen- and will
normally have Coach X with you as well.
Show team proper way to make an appeal; player gives a clear verbal request to
the umpire that an appeal is being made (and tag appropriate runner or base).
Time is not out when an appeal is made.
If ball hit towards our dugout, we need to get out of way of fielder trying to make
play on ball.
“3 step rule”- player needs to quickly put any bad at bat behind them and move on.
Team stands up and congratulates his teammate when we score (to the guy
coming in after scoring).
Team should be up on fence and cheering on teammates when on offense.
When on defense, fielders (other than pitcher and catcher) will meet at 3rd or 1st
base (depending on what dugout we have) and will then sprint out to their spots
(center fielder and 1st baseman should have balls).
Straightaway positioning is a way of playing the percentages to maximize field
coverage—to take away the areas where balls are most often hit during the course
of a game. It is important that players be taught exactly where straightaway is so
that we can make proper adjustments later in the game. Third baseman- it is two
or three steps deeper than the baseline and as far off the line as he or she can
play and still get to a solidly hit (not a bullet) ground ball down the line (this
is a spot we may adjust some and play the “6 hole” more as the percentages show
more balls are hit there than down the line). For the shortstop- it is at least a few
steps deeper than the baseline (depth increases as players get older) at a point
about halfway between second and third. For the left fielder- straightaway is a
depth where most well-hit fly balls can be run down and along an imaginary line
from home plate right through the middle of the baseline between second and
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third. For the right fielder- straightaway is a depth where most well-hit fly balls
can be run down and along an imaginary line from home plate right through
the middle of the baseline between second and first. For the centerfielderstraightaway is the same depth as the left and right fielders on a line from home
plate through second base (centerfielders might want to shade one step toward
left field for right-handers and one step toward right field for left-handers to get a
better view of the ball approaching home plate). The second baseman- should
position him-or herself at the same depth as the shortstop at a point about
halfway between first and second base. The first baseman- plays similarly to
the third baseman, but for first basemen at all levels the most important
consideration when it comes to positioning is the player’s ability to get to the bag
quickly enough to be a stationary target on ground balls that are hit to the other
infielders. So, if you want your first baseman to play deeper, he or she also
should play closer to the line to remain the same distance away from the bag.
Teach players that each defensive player has a responsibility on every play—even
on balls hit to someone else. If a ball is hit to third base, for instance, the shortstop
should move into a position backing up the play. The second baseman should
move toward second base if a runner is on first and toward a position backing up
the throw to first if no one is on base. The first baseman covers first, the right
fielder moves in to back up the throw from third and the left, and centerfielders
move toward short and third, respectively, in case the ball gets through. Even the
pitcher and catcher have responsibilities. The catcher runs down to back up first
base if no one is on base and stays to cover home if there are baserunners. The
pitcher moves toward third base in case there is a bad throw to first that stays in
play and neither the third baseman nor the shortstop can get to the bag.
Communication is the key to a successful defense. Players should talk to their
teammates to let them know whether they will attempt to catch a pop-up or fly
ball, what is going on, and where the ball should be thrown. They are more than
welcome to use their “outside voices” on the ball field.
Player rules; First, never criticize your teammates. Second, praise or compliment
your teammates whenever deserved and possible. Third, listen to and trust your
coaches and try to do what they ask (let the coaches coach, we don’t want
“coaching” from player to player or from parents in the stands during games to
our players; this can be confusing to the player getting the “coaching”). Fourth,
always hustle and give your best effort. Fifth, always exhibit exemplary
sportsmanship. Actually, the Fifth Rule is the most important!
Opponents and Umpires- We should respect opponents and umpires; without
them, we wouldn’t have a competition. Umpires help provide a fair and safe
experience for athletes and can be a big help in teaching them about the rules and
requirements of the game. Opponents provide opportunities for our team to test
itself, improve, and excel. Games are fun. Games against different opponents are
more fun than scrimmages against teammates. Remember that their goals are—or
should be—the same as ours, and focus our energy on helping our team improve
and have fun instead of on what the other team might be saying or doing. Our
team should show respect for our opponents and the game of baseball by giving
our best efforts. We owe it to them. Showing respect doesn’t necessarily mean
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going out of our way to be nice to your opponents, but it does mean being civil.
No one has ever gotten hurt by shaking an opponent’s hand after a good play or
helping him or her up after a fall. Sometimes when an opposing team is not
displaying appropriate sporting behavior, our players can teach them a lesson and
help calm them down by displaying proper sporting behavior at all times. We
will not trash talk or taunt an opponent. Such behavior is disrespectful to the spirit
of the competition and to the opponent. Don’t expect perfection from umpires.
Catchers and any player lining up a cut-off player uses terms cut 1, cut 2, cut 3,
and cut 4 for the cut-off player to cut and throw to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home. If the
catcher or player lining cut-off player says nothing, then that cut-off player should
let the ball go through. The catcher and any player lining up a cut-off player
should also line up the cut-off player (like tell them left, right, back, up). The
catcher and any player lining up the cut-off player needs to be loud and get their
call out early enough to give the cut-off player time to react and cut the ball if
needed.
We will use the term “eat it” if we are telling a player not to throw a ball.
Communication is the key to a successful defense. Players should talk to their
teammates to let them know whether they will attempt to catch a pop-up or fly
ball, what is going on, and where the ball should be thrown. They are more than
welcome to use their “outside voices” on the ball field.
Hitting
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Show team how to turn away from a pitch they can’t get out of the way of (kneel
down, bring bat down, and look away from pitcher).
If want to teach team hit a certain type of pitch, then try to simulate that pitch in
practice (specificity of training). Example; could have players focus in on curve
ball goes upward out of pitchers hand and throw that to players or could have
them focus on all fingers being on ball for certain change up and throw that to
players.
Will see in games that many umps have a generous zone. Often, good hitters
sometimes just try to foul off tough “pitcher’s pitches” (too close to take as ump
will probably call them a strike) to get another good pitch they can handle instead
of trying to do too much with that borderline strike or not swing at all (and leave
it to the ump to ring them up). If the hitter does this, the hitter will often get a
better pitch he/she can handle (if don’t swing, then strike 3, if do try to do too
much, then weak hit); foul it off (works the pitcher and likely will get a better
pitch).
Fielder has right to field ball; runner needs to avoid contact with fielder if fielder
is making a play on the ball. Fielder should just focus on fielding/catching the
ball and not worry about the runner at all. If runner fails to avoid fielder in that
situation, then it is offensive interference.
If get hit by pitch as batter, hustle quickly down to 1st base. Don’t wait there and
give umpire doubt about whether the ball hit you. We will always take a free base.
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Hitters should observe the pitcher during warm-ups and on pitches to teammates
who bat earlier in the lineup. The hitter can also ask teammates for information
about the speed, location, and type of pitches thrown.
Should wait for ball 4 to be called by the umpire before running to 1st base (don’t
assume the call; umpires do not like when you run to 1st before they call the pitch
a ball).
When hitting, treat each at bat the same; so if hitting and team is up 20-0, treat
that the same as if up and your team is down one run with two outs in last inning
and tying run is at 3rd base. Don’t put extra pressure on yourself (just hit, block
out the situation- it is just a game).
When hitting, should be ready to swing on every pitch (even if getting the take
sign- use that pitch to time the pitcher). Only decision is when “not to swing”meaning be ready to swing, but take the pitch if it isn’t what you were looking for.
When in games, should only be looking to get a good pitch to hit and watch the
baseball. Don’t focus on any other hitting fundamentals (that is what practice is
for).
Hitters should be aggressive with runner at 3rd base and less than 2 outs. Want
hitter to look to hit ball hard on the ground where it is pitched early in the count;
prefer this to getting two strikes on batter (where chance to strikeout increases).
If get hit and run sign, batter should see if defense tips off which player is
covering 2nd base so the batter can try to hit ball in that vacated hole.
If a runner is at 2nd base and there are no outs, you should look to move that
runner over to third base by hitting a ground ball to the 2nd base side.
Keep head still and just move your eyes as watching ball come in from the pitcher.
Baserunning
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Automatic 2nd and 3rd run play on offense: Runners on 2nd and 3rd will run
on batter contact with ball that is on the ground. If ball hit back to pitcher,
runners freeze and read play. For high school level, runner will get back for hard
hit ball to 3rd baseman… This is an aggressive play that puts pressure on the
defense and will usually score on play since runners are getting a good creeping
lead (not coming to a stop; weight is going towards next base as ball crosses home
plate) and are ready to run on contact. If runner going home is caught in a
rundown, then batter hustles and tries to make it to 2nd base. So, could end up
with runners on 2nd and 3rd after the play even if defense makes a good play and
gets the runner out that started at 3rd base. Runner starting at 2nd base needs to
make sure he/she doesn’t run over the runner at 3rd base. Also remember
baserunning rule that if both runners end up at 3rd base on the play and following
runner (one that started the play at 2nd base) is tagged on the base then that runner
is out . The runner that started the play at 3rd base needs to stay on the base
because he/she is safe in this situation (both runners at base and defense touches
following runner).
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Baserunners need to stay focused on # of outs and need to be creeping towards
next base as pitch crosses the plate (don’t want to come to a stop and then start
again). Quicker if still in motion as pitch crosses plate so get a better
jump. Baserunners should always be watching the ball (can see middle infielders
with their peripheral vision and base coaches will help with this as well); may be
able to get a better jump if see it going wild out of pitcher’s hand. With 2 strikes
and 2 outs, need to teach guys to go on the SWING. They need to learn that if
runner is at 3rd and they are at 2nd, they most likely can get a big lead (watch out
for SS and 2nd baseman, but most likely can get a real big lead). Runners need
big leads at 1st base. Players need to know that they don’t have to steal if they get
a bad jump- it is one thing if they miss a sign, but it is OK if they don’t steal
because they got a poor jump.
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If have play where 2 baserunners end up on the same base where there isn’t a
force play, then the runner that was at the base first is entitled to the base and is
safe. Defense should tag the runner that got to the base last (that runner is out). If
want to get smart on defense- tag both runners and say “gotcha” to the runner that
was on the base first (lead runner). If that runner then leaves the base, then tag
that runner as well and you got a double play.
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If there is a fly ball hit (less than 2 outs) and runners start play on 2nd and 3rd (or
even bases loaded), then runner at 3rd should always tag (and should find ball and
go as soon as player touches ball); 3rd base coach will also help by yelling “back”
and “go” at right times. Runner at 2nd base should already know what to do
(want this runner to get off halfway if appears ball may not be caught and less
than 2 outs, runner to tag if no outs and appears chance to catch, and want runner
to tag if 1 out and ball hit deep to right field and fielder is camped under the ball);
Coach Pompeo will yell your last name and help remind you as well. Runner on
1st base will only tag on foul balls, ball that will land right on 1st base, or a real
deep ball that appears will be caught by left fielder and less than 2 outs.
If on 1st base- Watch the pitcher; primarily watch the heel of the throwing foot
as the right-handed pitcher prepares to deliver the ball. If you see player
movement (like lifting glove foot and NO movement with right heel, then that is
the runner’s JUMP move). Players should watch the the position of the
shoulders for left-handed pitchers (if point shoulders towards 1st base, then
get back to 1st base). If runner at 2nd base, just watch heel of throwing foot. If
on 3rd base, then runner should look at left-hander’s throwing foot heel and righthander’s shoulders. Once the pitcher strides toward home with glove foot, he or
she cannot make a pickoff throw to a base.
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If other team doesn’t catch strike 3 cleanly, then want batter/runner to run play
out to 1st until umpire calls you out. If less than 2 outs and 1st base is occupied,
you are actually already out, BUT let’s see if the other team knows the rule
(meaning, we could draw a wild throw by catcher over 1st base that allows our
other runners to advance). Our other runners are not forced on this play, but can
advance at their own risk. When we are on defense and this happens (less than 2
outs and 1st base is occupied on strike 3 that is not caught cleanly), then we will
know that the batter is out and we will keep eyes open to get out any other runners
that go (will need to tag them out).
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If the umpire calls an “infield fly” (this is a play that started with runners on 1st
and 2nd or bases loaded and ball hit into air that umpire judges can be caught with
ordinary effort), then we know that our batter is out (even if the ball is not
actually caught; as long as it drops fair if not caught). Our runners should go
ahead and tag on this play. Our other runners need to know that if ball is caught,
then they must tag. If the ball drops fair, then they DON’T have to go to the next
base (in fact, probably best to just stay where they are at as even if ball drops, it is
probably too difficult to advance to the next base).
Seeing if a lefty is “pre-determined” or a “chooser” The first baserunner we have
does a bluff steal (player acts like they are stealing when pitcher raises glove foot,
but is ready to get back to the base) to see how the pitcher reacts (can the pitcher
adjust and pick after seeing runner going early, or is pitcher “pre-determined” and
if pitcher is going to pitch, then pitcher pitches even if runner goes early). 1st
base coach will remind our runner if that is what we want. May take a few
times for our runner doing this as the pitcher could just be picking anyways the
time our runner does the bluff steal. If we determine the pitcher is “predetermined”, then we go on first movement (mean go as soon as pitcher lifts
his/her glove foot) when we want to steal. The first base coach will tell the
runner if we want them to steal on 1st movement. Odds are higher that the
pitcher will pitch more than pick, so we have a good chance (even with quick
release to the plate). If the pitcher has a long, deliberate throw over when
he/she goes to first AND The first baseman has an average arm, we could try
to go on first movement and be in 1st baseman’s throwing lane (set our
runner up on back baseline edge with right handed first baseman) to 2nd
base (even if pitcher is a “chooser”)… If the pitcher is a “chooser” and also
quick over to 1st base, then we probably can’t straight steal the pitcher (just bluff
and also do some hit and run telling our runner to make sure the pitcher goes to
the plate before taking off)- this at least may have the pitcher lose a little focus on
the batter and/or may pick more often and throw it away (we could even “Sell” it
to the first baseman that is listening by saying something like that’s OK to our
runner that they didn’t go since didn’t get a good jump- even though our runner
wasn’t going at all (may take the other team a while to figure out what we are
doing (since we are never actually trying to steal in this situation)- and they might
continue to focus on the runner). The toughest lefty pitchers have a quick release
to plate at times and then mix it up with high leg kick and then either pick or
pitch… With a two man umpire crew, the field ump cannot easily look to see if
the pitcher is stepping beyond 45 degree and watch the tag at first (so unlikely the
field umpire will call pitcher balk on step even if it is illegal)… The field ump
should be looking to make sure toe doesn’t go behind rubber AND then picks
(which would be a balk) however.
Runners should listen to and watch the base coach. The base coach’s job is to
watch what’s going on in the field and help players advance from base to base
safely. Runners on first base should listen to instructions from the first- base
coach; runners on second and third base should follow the instructions of the
third-base coach. Some baserunning decisions have to be made by the runner. If
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the runner waits for the coach to yell, “Go!” on a passed ball, that hesitation might
be the difference between being safe and out. When trying to go from first
to third on a single, if the ball is in centerfield or left field, the runner has the play
in front of him/her and can make the decision about whether or not to
advance. Again, if the runner hesitates or waits for the coach to give him/her the
green light, it may be too late. Finally, when tagging up on a fly ball, the runner
must read the play and leave on his or her own. If the runner waits for the coach
to tell him or her to go, a moment’s hesitation occurs that can prove to be critical.
Our runners need to run on the swing IF there are 2 outs and 2 strikes on the batter.
When the catcher is totally blocking the plate then slide as late as possible in
hopes of flipping the catcher over (keep your front knee with slight bend). If slide
the normal 10 feet away from the plate and the catcher is blocking the entire plate,
then the runner will normally never get to the plate (even when the runner has
beat the ball). The umpire normally won’t call the runner safe unless it is very
obvious that the catcher was blocking the plate and wasn’t making a play on the
ball). Other option is the hook slide, but that is a harder skill to learn…
If running and miss a base, then keep going unless you hear the 1st base coach yell
to get back. The 1st base coach will only yell for you to get back if he thinks you
can get back safely AND knows the umpire noticed you missed the base. Most
umpires are watching the baseball and not looking to see if you touched the base.
Of course, never try to miss the base.
Runners can go 3 feet to either side of established baseline to avoid a tag or can
go to the ground (sometimes works to get out of a pickle) or could even jump over
a tag.
Runners stealing 3rd base do so off the pitcher; they need to get a big jump and
sometimes may even start their steal attempt prior to the pitcher starting his/her
delivery if the pitcher doesn’t vary his/her looks to 2nd base (very likely need this
extra jump off a strong catcher).
Runners should freeze and get back a few steps on a line drive hit (with a big
secondary lead, the runner is off base a lot).
Defense
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Teach 1st and 3rd defensive “switch play”- pitcher runs at runner going from 1st
to 2nd and then wheels and throws home as soon as 3rd baseman yells going.
When on defense in games, should only be thinking about what the situation is
(number of outs, speed of base-runners, hitter’s ability and how they are swinging
the bat, current team strategy- like willing to give a run for an out) BEFORE
each pitch and what you will do on the play (where throw if hit to you, where
back up if hit somewhere else). Fielders should use “Prep Steps” (right step, then
left) as pitch is being delivered and should be focusing on hitter contact area to
help get a better jump. Should not be thinking about any fielding or throwing
fundamentals.
Work on defending steal on first movement. Have 1st baseman catch and throw
to 2nd base to get the runner that goes as soon as pitcher moves.
Infielders
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If fielder (say the 1st baseman as an example) is not in a play (like say the hitter
hits a sure double and is rounding 1st base), then that fielder needs to make sure
he/she gets out of the runners way. Umpire can call defensive obstruction if the
runner runs into the fielder that has no play (so no business being near the
baseline) and they can (per judgment), give that runner 3rd base. Some umpires
love to call this one (because it shows how “smart” they are.
Show team how to make proper tags and also how to “attack the baseball” as a
fielder and get the “good hop”. Also show slick technique on getting rid of
quickly if don’t have much time.
Middle infielders need to back up throw back to the pitcher with runner at 3rd
base.
Middle infielders and catcher shouldn’t be fooled on the delay steal; 1st baseman
(or any fielder) needs to yell going if runner tries to do this.
Middle infielders need to dart in and out and/or at least take a few steps closer to
2nd base when there is a runner at 2nd base (or at least get the same distance from
the bag as the runner is). Don’t want the runner to get a huge lead. Normally
have just one player cover (SS and 2nd baseman talk to each other on this)- player
covering should be one where we don’t think the hitter will hit it to. Middle
infielders need to work with pitcher and get back to field position as pitcher
pitches. Pitcher should use “lazy leg” (lift glove leg up and rotate it around and
step at 2nd base) from time to time. If picking off, do quick spin move to glove
side. Pitcher doesn’t have to throw the ball to 2nd base. Main point- we want to
let the runner know we know he/she is there and want to keep them close so they
don’t score easily on base hit to outfield.
Proper way for middle infielders to take throw at 2nd base from the outfield; if
taking throw from left field, then fielder should straddle base (straddling base
makes it easier to find base after get throw) with toes and shoulders facing the
fielder. Fielder then reads the throw. If runner will make it safely easily, then
fielder should go towards the throw (leave the bag by a step) so not in way of
runner (and maybe can tag runner on an overslide). If have a chance to get the
runner out (ball may beat the runner), then If throw to glove side and on line
(right handed player), then reposition feet so catching ball in a way to put
glove right in front of the base (so put left foot on right field side of bag)turning back to right field. Your right foot would be on the 3rd base side of the
bag (so end up straddling base as catch ball). If have chance to get runner (ball
beats runner) and throw to throwing side (right handed player) and ball thrown
on line, then reposition feet so catching ball in a way to put glove right in
front of the base (so put left foot on right field side of bag)- turning back to 3rd
base. Your right foot would be on the 3rd base side of bag (so end up straddling
base as catch ball). If taking throw from center field or right field, then use this
same technique (reposition feet with left foot on right field side of bag and right
foot on 3rd base side of bag).
Advanced Play (and rare)- The batter is out if an infielder intentionally drops a
fair fly or line drive, with first, first and second, first and third, or first/second
third occupied before there are two outs. The ball is dead and runner or runners
return to their original base or bases. In this situation, the batter is not out if the
infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the ground (except when INFIELD
FLY rule is called). So, we will teach our infielders (will only teach this on high
school level) to let an easy pop up fall untouched right in front of them IF there is
a runner at 1st to start the play (and less than two outs) and the batter is not
hustling; we will get a double play on the play (go to 2nd base, then go to 1st base).
Catch the ball in all other situations. There is a risk to this play as ball could
bounce and take a funny hop if ball has a lot of spin on it.
Outfielders
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Show team how to back up 3rd base with the left fielder; sprint if ball is not hit
and runner goes.
Catchers
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Catchers need to learn that the catcher pick off play is a high risk, low reward
play. Will give away more runs than outs recorded. The runner needs to really be
off and needs a system with the corner fielders on inside or outside depending on
where catcher catches it and where the baserunner is (don’t want to throw across a
runner). A situation when it may be worth the risk is if there are no outs and a
runner at 3rd and runner is getting a big secondary lead- may be worth trying to
throw that runner out.
Teach catcher to ask the plate umpire to ask his partner for help on a half swing if
catcher thought the batter swung; don’t ask unless thought the batter swung (don’t
want to lose credibility).
Show how to take an intentional walk. Catcher should stand up (stay within
catcher’s box until the pitch is made) and point arm out to side (point to opposite
side of batter) and should take one wide side step (staying athletic and on balls of
feet) as pitch being delivered. Pitcher is aiming for chest level to the opposite
batter’s box side to where the batter is. It will be very rare that we would call an
intentional walk- but it is possible we will use this strategy.
Should take one or two steps towards the runner or just hold it and look the runner
back if the runner has a big secondary lead after the pitch; want the runner to start
going back so he/she doesn’t steal the next base on the throw back to the pitcher.
Pitchers
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With two strikes on batters, pitchers do not want foul balls. That is why, when
pitchers have two strikes on batters, pitchers should never throw 10 mph slower
than fastball (sliders and change-ups) pitches. Stick with the hard stuff! When
batters are afraid of striking out on two strike counts, they swing earlier in the
count at pitches that they would otherwise take. That is how pitchers
appropriately decrease the average number of pitches that they throw to batters.
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Understand the situation. Pitchers throw over to a bag to keep runners close (very
rarely will pick off)… Pitchers and fielders should just be focused on outs and
the batter primarily when you are late in the game and up big. Will trade a run or
two for outs.
Don’t need to try to pick runner off at 3rd base unless getting a big lead. Want
3rd basemen to meet the throw (don’t stand on base). This will better allow the
3rd basemen to field their position.
Review pitcher going from stretch with runner at 3rd and being aware what to do
if that runner takes off for home (3rd baseman yells going and pitcher throws high
and inside to batter).
Review pitchout sign and catcher/pitcher technique on play (pitcher gets rid of
ball quickly and pitches high and outside.
Pitcher/catcher fielding pop ups and also covering home on passed ball.
Pitcher “step off” and run play if runner going early.
In games, pitchers should just focus on knowing the situation before they make
the pitch and focus on where they want to locate their pitch. If their teammate
and/or coach yells “Step off”, then then step off the rubber with their pitching foot
BEHIND the rubber and run at the runner (then throw when close to a base).
Lefthanders need to learn the “blind turn”. If the fielder can round a ball, then do
so (on bunt out in front of plate)- so face home plate. If don’t have time to round
it or it is hit down the 3rd base line, then it is better to field the ball with your
back to 1st base and turn “glove side”. For this situation, you don’t want to turn
“glove side after re-adjusting your feet and facing home plate. A big key to this
play is footwork/approach to the ball.
Pitchers covering home on passed ball. Pitchers should sprint home on any
passed balls (don’t look at runner first)- sprint to home on any passed ball with
runner on third- angle body to receive throw from catcher in front of plate (make
sure knee is angled so going up the foul line- don’t want to get hit by runner on
side of knee).
Pitcher pick offs: Righthander- pick to keep close, knowing won’t actually pick
many runners off (but want to give catcher chance to throw runner out). Don’t
have to come to complete stop to pick. Vary head movement. Vary moves- pick
from stretch, pick as coming set (before hands touch), pick just as hands touch
coming to set, and pick after come set (vary counts). Look to pick runner as they
are between 2nd and 3rd shuffles getting their lead (might be leaning towards 2nd
base and/or looking back at 1st base and not at pitcher). Can get back on rubber
and pitch quickly after picking so pitch before runner gets full lead (just make
sure come to complete stop between stretch and set if pitching). Use spin jump to
pick at 1st base (don’t jump high and get momentum going towards 1st base). Step
off with pitching foot if runner goes early or if need to adjust ball from glove to
hand. Pick to 2nd base- use lazy leg and/or spin to glove side. Pick to 3rd- if turn
glove foot past back edge of pitching rubber, then can’t pick to 3rd. Need to step
at each base pick to. Can fake throw to 3rd and 2nd base. Can only fake throw to
1st if have already stepped behind pitching rubber with pitching foot.
Lefthander- pick to keep close, knowing won’t actually pick many runners off
(but want to give catcher chance to throw runner out). Don’t have to come to
complete stop to pick. Vary head movement. Vary moves- quick leg kick, long
leg kick, look at batter, look at runner, look at both, break hands and then pick,
vary pauses after come set, pick from stretch, step behind rubber with pitching
foot and pick, and slightly turn glove foot towards plate but pick. Do need to
make sure step on 45 degree angle (between home and 1st) or close to 1st base if
pick. Look to pick runner as they are between 2nd and 3rd shuffles getting their
lead (might be leaning towards 2nd base and/or looking back at 1st base and not at
pitcher). Can get back on rubber and pitch quickly after picking so pitch before
runner gets full lead (just make sure come to complete stop between stretch and
set if pitching). Use spin jump to pick at 3rd base. Step off with pitching foot if
runner goes early or if need to adjust ball from glove to hand. Pick to 2nd baseuse lazy leg and/or spin to glove side. Pick to 1st- if turn glove foot past back
edge of pitching rubber, then can’t pick to 1st. Need to step at each base pick to.
Can fake throw to 3rd and 2nd base. Can only fake throw to 1st if have already
stepped behind pitching rubber with pitching foot. All pitchers- look runner in
eye to help keep runner close.