How aggressive is too aggressive

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Jul 21, 2017
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I need some advice with our catcher. I feel like she is too aggressive with trying to pick off players, especially those on third. Is there a rule of thumb that you teach your catchers? I’ve been telling her you only get one throw per runner, but she has taken that to literally mean she gets one throw per runner! It’s great when we get the out, not as great when the ball sails to left field. I appreciate her aggressiveness, but I’m curious what you teach your catchers.


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Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Curious what level you play?

We have had the runner on 3rd just take off on the throw and score a few times.

Maybe give her 2 throws, if both are safe no more throws or if a runner advances on throw no more pick offs that ģame.
 
Feb 26, 2018
328
28
Our coach lets my DD know that if she thinks she can get her, go for it. Now LF needs to recognize what's going on and book it in to back up 3rd. He gives her the green light 90% of the time and lets them know it's on him if it doesn't work out. Just like if they get caught stealing a base if they get sent. He'd rather make the mistakes now in these winter tournaments. Learn by doing right? haha

Edit: It's also situational. Up by a lot or down by a lot, go for it. Tight game where if an error makes a huge difference, then just run her back and get the ball to the circle.
 
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May 17, 2012
2,804
113
It’s great when we get the out, not as great when the ball sails to left field.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can't trade outs for runs. If she is throwing it into left field then the she is allowed zero throws until she can pitch and catch from roughly 50 ft.

In a blow out either way you may give her some reps but in a competitive game the answer is zero.
 
Jul 21, 2017
50
8
Curious what level you play?

We have had the runner on 3rd just take off on the throw and score a few times.

Maybe give her 2 throws, if both are safe no more throws or if a runner advances on throw no more pick offs that ģame.

This is an 8th grade school team. We also have a 16u team starting in May. Her throws have actually generated outs, third baseman is ready to throw home if the runner takes off, we get the runner in a pickle or just nail her. Do you mean 2 throws per game? Or per inning?


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Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Per game, let her pick her spots.

DD pitches and constant unsuccessful pick off throws can break flow of game.

Curious what your pitchers think.

Once DD knows C will attempt to pick her off a base she will bait them all game, nothing good is going to come out of it for the defense.
 
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Oct 1, 2014
2,218
113
USA
It's a risk/reward thing that she needs to learn...coaching on the situation and circumstances along with game time experience will go a long way. If she is sailing them on a regular basis she needs to work on her mechanics of that move/throw and mentally work on calming down and slowing the action in her mind a bit.
 
Feb 26, 2018
328
28
I do agree with quincy that too many and it throws off the pitchers rhythm. That said, we average 1 or 2 attempts a game, maybe 3 on the high end.
 
Jul 21, 2017
50
8
Per game, let her pick her spots.

DD pitches and constant unsuccessful pick off throws can break flow of game.

Curious what your pitchers think.

Once DD knows C will attempt to pick her off a base she will bait them all game, nothing good is going to come out of it for the defense.

Yes, I feel like it breaks the flow of the game. This is perfect. Thanks!


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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
I need some advice with our catcher. I feel like she is too aggressive with trying to pick off players, especially those on third. Is there a rule of thumb that you teach your catchers? I’ve been telling her you only get one throw per runner, but she has taken that to literally mean she gets one throw per runner! It’s great when we get the out, not as great when the ball sails to left field. I appreciate her aggressiveness, but I’m curious what you teach your catchers.

Pickoffs and throwdowns are situational and the catcher needs to understand this. I am going to care less if our catcher can explain they thought it was a good idea even if they airmail it. "Coach, I tried the pickoff/throwdown because...". You do it for a reason - if they made a bad decision we can talk about it and they gain experience on when it is a go/no go. If they are just throwing down for the sake of throwing down - that does not fly.

For example - not a complete list

GOOD:

- We ALWAYS try a pickoff on the first pitch after we give up a first baserunner. We show off the cannon, show we are willing and look to keep the baserunners just a little hesitant. A small pause is the difference between a go/no go or a caught stealing. I have seen teams totally give up on baserunning once they see our catcher throw this once.
- When we are up or down 5
- When there is only a runner on 1st and she is asking for it.
- After a leadoff triple or a runner on third with no outs and we are down or up 2. The runner is likely scoring, so it is worth a shot or two even if she scores on a bad throw.
- Throw directly to SS if the runner on 2nd is taking a big lead because no one is covering 2nd base bag (we scare runners and get outs with this)
- If the coach says to.. there should be a sign to go after someone. There shoudl also be a quick throw to pitcher and pickoff sign for the pitcher to make the play
- On steal threats taking big leads
- On slow girls who are leading more than they should
- If my corners are good, I get more aggressive in throwing down.


BAD:
- In close games that are half over I am not throwing down to third and hesitating to 1st unless there is a real chance of an out
- If there is ZERO chance of getting an out. Wasting time with risk, not good.
- Unless planned, after a failed bunt where SS is covering 3rd
- On a 1st/3rd steal with a fast runner on 3rd (though our catchers have big arms and we will often go for a caught stealing/throw home double play and we have bats so sometimes an out for a run isn't a bad thing early in games or if we are up big)
 
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