FACT: Most bases stolen are off the pitcher not the catcher.

The catcher timing can never vary. Yes, he can improve - shorten the jump or stride or ball transfer or short-arm action. But once he's at his best, there's no variation - unless the pitch throws him off.

The pitcher on the other hand has a lot of flexibility - in the hold time, in the looks over, in the stride, and in the timing and location of the pitch.


Of all the ways a hold can fail, or a steal can happen, the worst has to be the "forced balk" - in which the runner  causes the pitcher to interrupt his natural pitching motion, bt quick pitching or hesitating both of which can cause a balk call. So...

Before the Set

• Know the called play before going in the set position...
  • pitch out,
    
  • throw over,
    
  • step off,
    
  • normal pitch.
    
• And do what's called - no hesitation, even if runner goes.

From the Stretch...

• Once your in the set position...
  • Right Hand Pitcher: keep elbows tighten to body, so runner can't tell when you've gone for the ball.
  • Left Hander: Vary the direct look and facial expression
• Vary the hold time and the 'look' sequence (to plate or runner).

On the Pitch...

• Get leg up/down quickly then slide forward.
  (Up/Down maintains balance, keeps you from falling forward early.)

There are many ways to throw off the runner's timing and jump.

To first...

• You can step off, or jump turn, or slide off turn (without knee lift).

Note: The number one "tell" that gives away a Righty's move to 1st, is the lifting of the back heel. Either work on minimizing this, or speeding up the pivot jump, or (real sneaky) try to lift the heel on your throw home - which could cause the runner to relexively lean or step back to 1st.

With runner on second...

• Full outside turn is less expected than inside turn. Both should be tried.
• Synchronize moves to second with your fielders before they go for the bag.
  • A timing play is with a fixed count between coming to set and turning to throw.
  • A daylight play is by spotting a gap between runner and fielder.
  • A decoy play is with a false move (glove taps) from one fielder off the bag while the other one sneaks in.

With runner first and third...

• The fake to third move seldom works and should be used sparingly - save it for when they're not expecting it.

To first...

• You can vary the knee lift step to first - in timing and direction of step (max is half way up the line).
  
• Or you can release and quick pick.

Note: The number one "tell" that gives away a Lefty's pick-off move to 1st, is the throwing shoulder - it will pull towards second when pitching and towards shortstop when throwing over to 1st. Work on minimizing this.

Mix up your start point.
Consider staying in the stretch, even with bases loaded. It can keep runners guessing and throws off their timing. But you can go from wind-up and still be allowed to throw over.

Pick-Off Playbook.
None of this works if it doesn't get practiced. Use the drills in the Playbook to perfect hold times and throwing techniques.