14U team with a couple of talented catchers. We are trying to implement plays for pickoffs from C to 3B to get runners on third. One of our catchers takes lessons and has been told 'throw low and to the base' - which seems like good advice for pickoffs to 1st or on steals of 2 or 3. But the pickoff to 3 presents a couple of issues (1) there is a runner between the catcher and the base, and (2) there is a batter in the way. So my questions:
1) should the C throw behind the batter or step out and throw in front of her. (my thought is step out, which takes more time but gives a better throwing lane)
2) where should my fielder put her target (should she be just off the base in fair territory to give C more room to throw).
3) is SS or 3B taking the throw - what situations dictate that decision.
4) When to call pickoff - I assume with two outs only if there is a very good hitter at the plate. With less than two outs, i would call more often. I would also hesitate with runners on 2 and 3 as a bad throw might score 2 runs. other situations?
the catching coach also told our C she was taught to throw at the runner's head so that she has to freeze in her tracks and duck - not sure I'm very comfortable with that one.
Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
1) should the C throw behind the batter or step out and throw in front of her. (my thought is step out, which takes more time but gives a better throwing lane)
2) where should my fielder put her target (should she be just off the base in fair territory to give C more room to throw).
3) is SS or 3B taking the throw - what situations dictate that decision.
4) When to call pickoff - I assume with two outs only if there is a very good hitter at the plate. With less than two outs, i would call more often. I would also hesitate with runners on 2 and 3 as a bad throw might score 2 runs. other situations?
the catching coach also told our C she was taught to throw at the runner's head so that she has to freeze in her tracks and duck - not sure I'm very comfortable with that one.
Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.