How to pick at 2nd

Nathan posted:

How does your 2nd baseman let the pitcher know to pick?  So many teams get huge leads at 2nd and we want to keep them close.  I know its on the pitcher but we need to pick at least a few times.

Catcher

"So many teams get huge leads at 2nd and we want to keep them close.  I know its on the pitcher but we need to pick at least a few times."

Obviously your team isn't good.  No shame in that.  But keep your priorities straight.  Your pitchers are already over-loaded.  Forget picks.  Place the workload on your MIFs. If necessary, have them sacrifice some defensive coverage in order to keep r2's reasonably honest.

If the MIF is going to go all the way to the bag and wants a throw, it's a simple glove out for SS or hand out for 2B.  Otherwise just some in/out to keep them close. One IF can cheat a bit to keep them close, not both. Usually dictated by the P/batter matchup. 

Good points.  One note on manners - please refrain from having your SS kick dirt onto the shoes/socks of r2.  Also, IMHO, having either MIF continually slap their glove while they dance around has no place in baseball.  Opening game on Monday has the opponent's SS kicking up a storm while dancing all around.  I was very proud of our baserunners maintaining their stoic appearance while this was going on.

This can be tough with a summer team that you only see at games, especially if you have one of those teams where the personnel on hand varies event by event.

For a high school team, though, typically you will develop a few different plays and work on them.  Pitchers should know inside moves and outside moves.  Different approaches to feints and timing with SS and 2B, timing (e.g., on catcher's sign such as dropping his mitt) or "daylight" plays are all commonly used.  It's up to the coach to decide how much importance to place on this, how much practice time to devote to it, and how often to use it.  Like anything, it can be overdone.

I prefer to keep runners OFF second as much as possible.