First & Third

First & Third: Pitchout, Back-Pick Third

Pitchout → C back-picks R3 leaning

Expecting the runner on third to get greedy, the defense calls a pitchout and the catcher fires to third to back-pick him.

Speed

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All 9 jobs

Ball Bag Backup

P

Pitcher Backup

After the pitchout, break toward third to back up the throw.
C

Catcher Ball

On the pitchout, come up throwing to third behind the leaning runner.
1B

First Base Bag

Cover first base and hold the trail runner.
2B

Second Base Bag

Cover second base in case the runner from first breaks.
3B

Third Base Bag

Sneak back to third, give a target, and apply the tag.
SS

Shortstop Backup

Back up third base behind the bag.
LF

Left Field Backup

Sprint in to back up third base.
CF

Center Field Backup

Drift in to back up.
RF

Right Field Backup

Drift in to back up the infield.

Key point

A pitchout takes the bat out of it and gives the catcher a clean look — call it when the runner at third is getting greedy with his lead.

Drill

Pitchout-and-back-pick reps to third; the third baseman times his break while the pitcher and shortstop rotate to back up.

Watch for

Calling the pitchout but the third baseman not sneaking back in time — the back-pick only works if the bag is covered.