Pick-cues:
There are certain movements that we focus on to help us aid in knowing whether or not a pitcher is going to make a move over to first base or if he is going to the plate. Many pitchers work long and hard to perfect their moves so that the quickness or the deception gives them an edge at picking runners off. The following are things to look for with a righty and a lefty on the mound.
Righty: With a right hander on the mound, focus on
his back heel. His first
movement after he has reached his set position will either be one of the
following three: 1) A delivery to the plate; 2) A pick-off attempt; or 3)
stepping off the rubber. By focusing on
the back heel, you will be able to determine which action he has chosen. When that first movement occurs and his back heel stays on the ground, then he is going to the plate. If his
back heel comes off of the ground, then you should get back to the base
because he is either attempting a
pick-off or stepping off of the rubber.
Lefty: With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, your
focus should be on his front shoulder.
A left hander’s pick-off move is more of a deceptive movement while a
righty relies on quickness. When a lefty
lifts his front leg, he is either going to deliver a pitch to the plate, or
attempt a pick-off move. If his front shoulder closes toward first
base, then get back because he is
coming over. If his front shoulder stays open and moves toward home plate, then he is delivering a pitch to the hitter.
Being aware of these pick-off cues and becoming proficient at
identifying them will assist you in getting better jumps when stealing
bases. They will also make you a better
all-around base runner.
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