Pickoffs

Timing Play at Second (2B)

Silent count: 2B breaks, P throws blind

A pre-set timing play. On an agreed silent count, the second baseman breaks to the bag and the pitcher throws without looking — pure trust and timing.

Speed
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All 9 jobs

Ball Bag Backup

  • P
    Pitcher Ball

    On the agreed count, turn and throw to second base — trust your second baseman is there.

  • C
    Catcher Bag

    Flash the count signal and guard the plate.

  • 1B
    First Base Bag

    Cover first base and hold any trail runner.

  • 2B
    Second Base Bag

    On the count, break hard to second base, take the throw, and apply the tag.

  • 3B
    Third Base Bag

    Cover third base.

  • SS
    Shortstop Backup

    Back up second base behind the second baseman.

  • LF
    Left Field Backup

    Back up second base from left-center.

  • CF
    Center Field Backup

    Charge in to back up second base.

  • RF
    Right Field Backup

    Back up second base from the right.

Coaching notes

Key point

A timing play is a trust play — the throw and the second baseman's break happen on the same count, with no look to tip it off.

Drill

Silent-count reps: catcher flashes the count, second baseman breaks on it, pitcher throws blind — rep the timing until it's automatic.

Watch for

Either man being late breaks the play — a throw with nobody there, or a fielder arriving after the ball. Same count, every time.