Pick plays to third

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Mar 14, 2011
785
18
Silicon Valley, CA
In baseball we always used the same mechanics with throwing behind the batter. Coach on our new team is having the catcher come out in front and around a right handed batter. Is this a valid alternative? Seems like it would be too slow, and therefore ineffective, unless somehow the runner is sold on the catcher throwing to P (or 2nd base).

I believe the rationale was that coach didn't want catcher throwing across runner. 3B can of course set up on the foul side of bag, but there still is the issue of runner returning in foul typically.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
The only possible time you would ever step in front is if the pitch was waaaay outside. If you have already had to shift your feet to the right to block or snag the pitch a drop step throw behind the runner (the preferred method) probably won't actually clear the runner and you have a better angle going in front but this is the exception.
 
Aug 16, 2015
129
18
If the runner is returning in foul, then the runner needs to be coached better. Should return in fair for the sole purpose of being in the way of that throw. Down in foul, back in fair.
 
Mar 14, 2011
785
18
Silicon Valley, CA
Yes thanks, I should have said fair. I agree with throwing behind. Not a 3rd baseman or SS, so not sure of the subtleties of how in softball situations they get to the bag and cover in foul, but did do some catching and would like to see my DD taught proper details like this.
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
I teach catchers to throw behind the hitter. The whole idea of a pick play is to make a quick throw and catch the runner napping. You can use the batter to "hide" behind as you get the throw started, especially if you can throw from your knees instead of having to stand up and take a step. If you have to come out in front it will be pretty obvious you're planning on throwing somewhere.
 
Oct 4, 2011
92
0
The only reason I could think of to throw in front of the batter is a delayed pick to third. Go to throw to pitcher and fire to 3rd baseman. 3rd baseman doesn't give away play by covering.

And on a first and third play...
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
If the runner is returning in foul, then the runner needs to be coached better. Should return in fair for the sole purpose of being in the way of that throw. Down in foul, back in fair.

That's exactly what I teach my runners and explain to them the why.

What I teach my catcher's is to throw at the runner's inside/right shoulder. That way the 3rd baseman catches the ball and drops it on the runner who is diving back to the base.
 
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