Pickoffs

Daylight Play at Second

SS sneaks in → P throws on 'daylight'

The shortstop sneaks in behind the runner. When the pitcher sees daylight open up between the runner and the shortstop, he spins and throws to second.

Speed

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All 9 jobs

Ball Bag Backup

P

Pitcher Ball

When you see daylight between the runner and the shortstop, spin and throw to second.
C

Catcher Bag

Time the play, give the signal, and guard the plate.
1B

First Base Bag

Cover first base and hold any trail runner.
2B

Second Base Backup

Back up second base behind the shortstop on the throw.
3B

Third Base Bag

Cover third base in case the runner breaks that way.
SS

Shortstop Bag

Sneak in behind the runner on the pitcher's read and cover second for the tag.
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

The daylight play is a read, not a count: the pitcher throws only when he sees space open between the runner and the shortstop sneaking in.

Drill

Pitcher–shortstop daylight reps: the shortstop drifts behind the runner, the pitcher reads daylight and throws; no throw if the lane isn't there.

Watch for

A pitcher throwing to an empty bag because he didn't confirm the shortstop was there — see daylight AND the fielder first.