Pickoff move

Overview

A pickoff move is a common tactic that is used by pitchers in baseball. A pickoff occurs when there is at least one baserunner on first, second or third base, but not limited to one. A pickoff move involves the pitcher throwing the ball to the base that is occupied by a baserunner. Though there are many reasons for a pitching to resort to this tactic, the main goal is trying to catch the baserunner off guard so the infielder receiving the ball can tag the runner out.

Technique

When there is a baserunner on the pitcher will pitch from the set, one of the Pitching position. For this example we will say the running is on first base. From the set position the pitcher can still see the baserunner out of the corner of his eye if it is a right handed pitching. If it is a left handed pitcher then the pitcher has a clear view of the baserunner because of the way they are standing on the Pitcher's mound. If it is a right-handed pitcher there is only main method of this pickoff move. This involves a quick shuffle of the pitchers feet to turn towards first base and throw the ball to the first baseman. The first baseman will then attempt to tag out the runner. The left handed pitcher, due to their natural stance and the way they are facing, have multiple moves. The two main methods are called the "snap throw" and "spin move". The snap throw is when the pitcher quickly lifts his back foot behind the pitching rubber and slings the ball to the first baseman. The spin move is when the pitcher lifts his leg like he is going to pitch the ball but then rotates his body towards first and throws the ball. The pitcher will try to vary this move by doing this move while looking at the runner or at the batter, which can be deceiving to the baserunner. The final pickoff move can be done by any pitcher called "third to first" and can only be done is there are baserunners on first and third. This move is very uncommon and not very useful but its performed by the pitcher attempting to pickoff a baserunner at third, stop, spin and throw the ball to first base instead.

Purpose

There are a couple reasons to resort to this tactic: 1. The obvious reason is to hope the runner is not paying attention or is attempting a Stolen base. Sometimes the runner will be running on the first move of the pitcher and if the pitcher throws the ball to first then they will be able to try and get the baserunner caught stealing by tagging him out. 2. Another reason is to try and stop a fast runner from stealing. If a fast baserunner is getting a big lead off the base the pitcher will throw over a few times to try and get the baserunner to shorten his lead. After enough throws the runner will often either cut his lead down or sometimes be too tired from diving back to even attempt a stolen base. 3. Finally a pickoff is good for trying to see if the other team will give up their current strategy, this is the common use for the "third to first" move. What I mean by that is for example if there is a bunt situation the pitcher will attempt a pickoff move. What usually happens is that the batter will usually square around to bunt on the pitchers first move. So when the pitcher throws the ball to first base the batter might start to show bunt, thus giving away the current strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion the pickoff move is a very effective and essential part to a pitchers game plan. While not directly correlated, a pitcher with a great pickoff move can often lead to a pitchers success. When the pitcher has a good pickoff move they are able to control the other teams running game to an extent. If a team that relies on speed and stolen bases is not able to incorporate that into their game play like they are capable off, the pitcher is at an advantage. In the game of baseball, a team will take any advantage that they can get.