Understanding base runners

OT for webmaster: A post from 2004 is showing up in "Latest Posts"

Dan, I think my earlier response got lost in space. I will try again.

I don't like to see a pitcher start his move with his hands together all the time. I used to show a good move starting with my hands apart at the top of my loop and occassionally show the best move while my hands were still coming down prior to coming set. I still teach that a lot because it has been effective so far.

Also, I want a pitcher to trust his defense and teach infielders to look for cues from the runner. This can be as simple as him clenching his fist or jumping out to his primary lead a little quicker than normal. Another cue might be if a specific runner is looking at his base coach longer than usual. I want them to use non verbal signals to relay that info back to the pitcher.They have tells also.

By the way your article was a good read.

quote:

Originally posted by CoachO:
Dan, I think my earlier response got lost in space. I will try again.

I don't like to see a pitcher start his move with his hands together all the time. I used to show a good move starting with my hands apart at the top of my loop and occassionally show the best move while my hands were still coming down prior to coming set. I still teach that a lot because it has been effective so far.

Also, I want a pitcher to trust his defense and teach infielders to look for cues from the runner. This can be as simple as him clenching his fist or jumping out to his primary lead a little quicker than normal. Another cue might be if a specific runner is looking at his base coach longer than usual. I want them to use non verbal signals to relay that info back to the pitcher.They have tells also.

Great points I couldn't agree with you more. Holding runners on is a very in-depth topic that I just skimmed the water on for everyone's sanity.

Hey, Nicholas 25,glad you stepped in. I know that I can always use additional information in this department.

Before jumping into the good stuff I'd like to know what kind of drill work anyone might use to teach a young Left Hander to keep the move tight.

I like to use three basic drills for moves to first base myself that include the flick, throwing position and hands together drills. My preference is to start them from a chair for the first few times.

At least until they learn the desired arm actionby doing the flick drill. I have them throw into a screen until they get better then start to focus with the no look approach either into the screen or with a partner.

The throwing position drill puts emphasis on glove arm direction back into the chest. The attempt is to have front side lined up to the plate while the throwing arm makes the throw to first.

Hands together drill has the player break his hands and continue his throw to first. Points of emphasis are to make sure the lead shoulder is pointed home while the throw is being made.

All of the above drills are done at 15 feet apart at 15 reps.

Stage 2 is pretty much the same as stage 1 except the player is now in a throwing position with his lead leg at the 45 degree angle.

Stage 3 is to put all the mechanics together and make a complete move.

My prefered end result is to have a pitcher able to throw a pick and not look.

Whatever direction you want to go I am more than interested.

Dan mentioned a lot of this in his article but I'll see if I can't dig deeper.

Personally I think that the pitcher has more responsibility in holding the runner than the catcher. If the pitcher can't do his job in holding the runner, then the catcher, regardless of how quick he is or arm strength become moot.

The RH pitcher has 5 tactics at his disposal.

1. Vary hold times - the idea is to stop the runner's feet. A lot of time the baserunner gets anxious. He may break too soon or shift his weight back on his heels. Mix it up.

2. Make the hitter call time - the pitcher comes set and simply holds the ball until the hitter calls time. Most baserunners get fidgety and often will tip their intent. If he doesn't move then he more than likely is not going to run.

3. Deliver the ball within 1.2 and 1.3 seconds. Generally a normal leg lift requires 1.5 seconds. A slide step is one method that a lot of folks use but I am not real fond of it. I feel that it is to quick a move and results in the arm being unable to catch up. To me this translates into reduced velocity and control. I prefer more of the knee to knee so that a pitcher can get a little bit of a load. I also like the pitcher to reduce his stride leg action almost in half to get his delivery time down close to the desired result.

4.Step off the rubber and break the hands - once in a while a runner will tip his intent by taking a step towards second before going back to the bag. Most of all this helps to upset the runner's timing. Sometime a pitchout will catch the runner if he gave away his purpose.

5. Pick from different spots - when the pitcher checks for his sign is good because most hitters are not used to seeing this.
A lot of runners try to extend their lead when you are bringing your hands up to set. Quick feet are essential here and it does catch runners.
The standard position is the set position. This is where you want to vary hold time.

This description is primarily for right handed pitchers.

As far as I am concerned there are four basic moves for a left handed pitcher.

1. Step off - use when the when the isn't paying attention or is trying get an extra step or two. You have to have a quick arm action. Arm extension will allow the runner time to get back.

2. Worst move - use this early in the game just to show something. You generally don't want to show your best move early.

3. Good move - again show early in the game. This can be as simple as extending your throwing arm.

4. Best move - a lot of times this is just using a dart throw from your good move position.

A left handed pitcher can make his move to first all the way up to his balance point. If the runner doesn't go by now then deliver the ball to the plate. This a tremendous advantage for a lefty. If he can master this then it becomes a huge plus.