Holding runners with better success

Holding runners and making strong pick-offs are a necessary tool in your pitching development. If you can't stop the running game — in the rare event a hitter gets on base, of course :-) — base hits turn into extra-base hits, walks turn into doubles and triples, and potential wins turn into disappointing losses.

Did you know the average pitcher will naturally hold the baseball for three seconds?

It's true -- and good base runners at the higher levels of the game know it. Good runners are taught to "time you" (by counting to three) and then take off on your first movement.

That's why it's so important to vary your holds and to vary the amount of times you look at the runner leading off the base.

For example, when holding a runner on first base, use one-, three-, and five-second holds. Keep the runner guessing. Keep him close to the bag.

The good thing about being a pitcher is that nothing happens until you make your next pitch. You control the game --  because you control the baseball: it starts and ends in your hand on each pitch.

Varying your holds and looks enables you to pitch without patterns. And that, my friends, keeps runners from easily stealing on you: they're flat on their feet, they're overanxious, or they're too tense to steal effectively.

Aside from varying your looks, there are three additional ways to squelch the running game:    

1. Make short-arm throws to bases. Short-arm throws are quick throws. Abbreviate the backward arm-path of the throwing arm, and instead turn the baseball away from the ear, such as the throwing mechanics of a catcher. It'll speed up your pick throws.
2. Know which counts runners may go (ahead of time, of course). Typically 3-1 and 3-2 counts are "running counts." These counts are good times to utilize your pick-off moves, such as the inside pick-off move or the "fake to third base, throw to first base" move.
3. Avoid trickery. It's not necessary and it, more times than not, confuses you and your teammates, not the runner.