How to Teach a Pickoff to First Base (Youth Baseball Drill)

Most youth runners take too big a lead because nobody ever makes them pay for it. A good pickoff to first changes that. It steals outs and keeps runners close for the rest of the game.

Setup

Pitchers take turns on the mound. A first baseman holds the runner and tags on every throw. Give each pitcher 20–30 throws. Runners are optional.

Right-handed pitchers: the hop turn

1. Start with the right foot on the rubber.
2. Both feet leave the ground at the same time.
3. Quarter turn toward first base.
4. Both feet land at the same time. Don't gain ground toward first. Just turn.
5. Throw to the spot where the first baseman makes his tag.

Left-handed pitchers: three picks

• Step off the back of the rubber and throw.
• The setup pick: an obvious step to first, to show the runner a simple move.
• The deception pick: come set looking at the runner. When the leg lifts, head and eyes go to the plate. Then step to first.

Why the deception pick works

The runner sees the pitcher's eyes go to the plate and starts his secondary lead. Looking at him during the set makes the switch believable.

Rep it a lot. The goal is the same efficient, accurate throw every time.