Coaching a Runner for a Pickoff at Second Base

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Adrian Arceo. And, now we're going to get into some of the responsibilities of a third base coach, when there's a pick off attempt at second base. Now you have to remember that at second base is where your runner's going to take his biggest lead. It's also at second base where the lead is going to change the most. Now let's say for example: that the middle infielders, which are the second baseman and the shortstop are really spread apart closer to third and first base, then you might want to tell your runner to take another step; meaning widening his lead. But, if after doing that, you notice that they start creeping in to second base again, you may want to tell them to take a step back. Another thing you want to consider is that there's always communication between the middle infielders and the pitcher, either through signs or verbally. Now, there's also a trick play that pitcher's like to put on which is called a timing play, which is a play where the pitcher comes set, counts off in his head and then turns around and fires to second base, hoping that one of the middle infielders will be there to catch the ball and tag the runner out. Now, remember if you're ever in doubt as to whether or not there's going to be a play, you can always tell your runner to really dramatically cut his lead or just go all the way back to the bag and get his lead all over again. Now, if you do all these things correctly, you should be able to prevent against any pick off attempt at second base. Hello, my name is Adrian Arceo. And, now, we're going to talk about some of the third base coach's responsibilities when there's a pick off attempt at third base. Now, you have to remember that any play at third base is very critical because an error here is going to cause a run to score. So, don't get lazy and think that just because there's not a lot of pick off attempts at third base, that it's not going to happen. Now, as a third base coach you have to pay really close attention to the third baseman because he's usually going to be the one who gives the sign to the pitcher that there's going to be a pick off attempt at third base. Now, unlike first base, the third baseman isn't going to hover over first base waiting for the pitcher to throw the ball. A lot of times what they'll do is just touch the bill of their cap or brush off some dirt from their pants, something to let them know that they want to put this play on. Also a lot of the times the pitcher is going to give some type of a confirmation, I don't know, maybe touching his chest or pounding the ball inside of his glove, all of these things are cues that you have to pick up on, in order to prevent the pick off at third base. Also, if you pick up any hint that there might be some play at third base you have to communicate to your runner to shorten up his lead a little bit. A lot of the times, this play takes place because you have an over zealous runner, who thinks he can get closer and closer to home plate, and as he starts winding up his lead the pitcher just come back and catch him at third base. So, it's your responsibility as a third base coach to keep a close eye on the pitcher and third baseman, if you want to prevent a pick off attempt at third base."