Why Baseball Pitchers Should Use A Different Arm Action On Pickoff Moves

There is a different arm action the right hand baseball pitcher uses for throws to first base. A pitcher's normal arm movement is out of the glove: down, back, up and then throw. The pitcher should not use this same motion to throw to first base. It takes too long. Instead, he should short-arm this throw (infield technique). As he makes his jump or spin move he takes the ball out of the glove and goes straight back to the cocked position, not down and back, just back. (Elbow shoulder high) This gives him a split second edge. Young players have to be taught this move. It does not come naturally.