Pickoffs

Catcher Back-Pick at Third

C → 3B behind a walking lead

With a runner taking a big walking lead off third, the catcher fires behind him to the third baseman sneaking back to the bag.

Speed

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All 9 jobs

Ball Bag Backup

P

Pitcher Backup

Break toward third base to back up the throw.
C

Catcher Ball

Read the walking lead and snap a throw to third behind the runner.
1B

First Base Bag

Cover first base.
2B

Second Base Bag

Cover second base.
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 from the outfield.
CF

Center Field Backup

Drift in to back up.
RF

Right Field Backup

Drift in to back up the infield.

Key point

A runner who walks his lead off third is asking to be back-picked — the catcher and third baseman just need a signal and quick feet.

Drill

Catcher-to-third back-pick on a set signal; the third baseman breaks back to the bag as the catcher receives the pitch.

Watch for

No backup behind third — an overthrow here scores the run, so the pitcher and shortstop must rotate in behind the bag.