Bunt and pick-off signals

For bunts, we always used team colors to represent different bunt coverages. For example, white bunt would be standard bunt coverage where 1st and 3rd charged and 2nd baseman covered 1st base.

For pick-off signals, let the shortstop give a signal in between a pitch where all infielders and pitchers are looking at him. Of course he must give some decoy signals too so that the opposing team won't know when or what you are putting on. It could be first touch or last touch or whatever was easiest.

We used to call pitches from the dugout using a finger system (like catchers use) from the dugout. If the coach gave a "thumb" it meant to pick to 1st. One of the best things I've seen implemented is when you know a guy is going to run, or has an unusually big lead, we put in a "pause...........then pick". What that means is the pitcher comes set, counts to 4 or 5-one thousand, then gives his quickest move. The runner is on edge, anticipating, waiting for the guy to go home. He has trouble staying properly focused and relaxed for 4-5 seconds. We would signal this by giving the Pinky "P for pause" then the thumb, then the catcher would give the exact same sign to the pitcher. I can't tell how many times this worked for us at the 14, 16, and college levels. Pause...............then pick.

I am also an advocate of the catcher calling the defense and pick offs.

Many pitchers become overly concerned with the runner and lose the plate. The runners are usually caught off guard as well thinking that the pitcher is not paying attention to them.