Things You'll Need:
- communication skills
- fast feet and hands
- accuracy
- intelligence
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Step 1
Decide how to pitch to each batter. The first defensive responsibility of the pitcher starts when he receives the baseball. Along with the catcher, the pitcher must work to decide on the pitch that they will throw the batter. Many times the basic strategy is decided in pregame meetings or in between innings on the bench.
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Step 2
Communicate with the first baseman. The pitcher and first baseman must have a strong line of communication throughout the game. They must decide between them who will field a ball that is hit weakly on the right side of the infield. If the first baseman fields the ball, the pitcher must cover first base to receive the throw for the out.
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Step 3
Serve as a traffic cop. The pitcher must direct traffic in the infield. If a fly ball is hit in the infield, the pitcher must help keep direct the player closest to the ball to catch it. If nobody calls a fly ball and the pitcher is in position to catch it, he should take command and call it himself. If he is not in position to catch the ball, he should call out a nearby teammate's name as early as possible to avoid infield collisions.
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Step 4
Call pickoff plays when there are runners on the bases. A pitcher should work with his fellow infielders to call pickoff plays to catch a runner sleeping on the bases. The pitcher must make sure everyone involved in the play knows that the play has been called, or the results could cost the team a run.
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Step 5
Serve as a defensive backup at home plate, first base, and third base. The pitcher must realize that after he throws the pitch and it is hit, his job is not over. He must back up the first baseman if there is a play at first base in case of an overthrow. He also must back up either the third baseman or the catcher if there are plays at third base or home plate. He should line himself up in a line behind the catcher or third baseman based on the angle of the throw coming from the fielder. This way the pitcher can retrieve a poor throw, or one that bounces out of the fielder's glove.
