Pick-off Moves: Right-handers to First

The main reason for developing good pick-off moves isn't so much to get an easy out but to keep runners from stealing bases at will. These moves depend on whether a pitcher is right-handed or left-handed and the base to which he is throwing. Right-handed pitchers throwing to first base should develop at least two moves. First, the standard move should be developed which is used after the pitcher is in the set position and the base runner has a full lead. After checking the runner (or runners), begin the move after looking back to the catcher. The rear foot should come forward and toward third base a couple of inches. This serves as a pivot foot. The arms should be breaking while this foot in getting into position. The lead foot steps directly toward first base and the throw should be a bit left of first base and low (the coaches need to make sure the first-baseman is in position to catch the ball out in front of the bag).

Some young pitchers get into a habit of stepping off the back of the rubber and then throwing to first. While it is true that they do not have to complete the throw when stepping off the back of the rubber (they essentially become an infielder at this point instead of a pitcher and thus cannot balk), it takes longer to get the ball to first base. Thus, this "safe" method should be discouraged.

A second move that can be very effective is to start your move to first when the base runner is beginning the second stride of his lead off. This is especially effective for younger pitchers because many young base runners peek back at first when taking their second step. In any case, the base runner has his weight going toward second at this point which makes it more difficult to get back to first safely.