Coaching a Runner for a Pickoff at First Base

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Adrian Arceo. Now, as a first base coach, it's your job to make sure that the runner on first base doesn't get picked off by the pitcher. Most of the time when there is a pick off, it's going to be at first base because the pitcher catches your runner sleeping. So, you have to make sure he's always awake and ready to run. Now, most of the time you're going to see a right handed pitcher on the mound, so what you want to tell your player is watch his feet, because when it comes to picking off to first base, if you see the back foot come up first; it means he's going to throw to first base. But, if you see his front foot get up first, it means he has to go to the plate. So you really have to focus on his feet. Now, if it's a left handed pitcher, he's actually allowed to lift his front foot up and still have a choice as to whether to go to first base, or throw to home. What most coaches actually do when they has a left handed pitcher on the mound, is they make their players take a jab step. What that is, is just a slight lean towards first base, as the pitcher's getting ready to throw the ball. That way, if he does decide to go to first base, your runner can get back a lot quicker. Another thing to focus on is how good the pitcher actually is at throwing back to first base. A lot of pitchers don't really work on their pick off moves very often, so you may want to let them just get their normal lead every time. But, if you see a pitcher who has a really good move, you may want to take a step away from the lead of the runner. That way, if he throws to first, your runner has an easier job of getting back. So, remember as a first base coach, your main responsibility is to make sure that your first base runner doesn't get picked off."