| Holding runners close to the bag can be a | | | | your timing, I wouldn't recommend this strategy. |
| challenge for many pitchers at all levels. A lot of | | | | Pitching Tip #3 - Use the slide step delivery. The |
| pitchers throw to the bag too much as others | | | | slide step can be very effective keeping the |
| rarely do it at all. Some people think that in order | | | | runners honest; if you have a good slide step it is |
| to keep someone from stealing, you have to be | | | | difficult for the runner to get a good jump |
| consistent throwing to first base. There are many | | | | especially if you can explode toward home plate |
| ways to keep runners close to the bag and limit | | | | quickly. If you do, your catcher will have a better |
| their chances of stealing on you if you follow | | | | chance at throwing out the runners. A lot of |
| some of these pitching tips. Most of these tips | | | | pitchers have problems with their timing when |
| don't require you throwing to the bag at all. | | | | they use the slide step. It is important to note |
| Pitching Tip #1 - Be unpredictable: Sounds simple | | | | that you still want to lead with your hips when |
| enough right? Just as you keep the batters | | | | throwing the baseball so it won't affect the |
| guessing at what pitch you are going to throw | | | | velocity. |
| and where you're going to throw it. You want to | | | | Pitching Tip #4 - Vary your pickoff moves and |
| keep the runners guessing as well. That is when | | | | how quick you are throwing to the bases. You |
| you have the highest chance of picking a runner | | | | should have three different speeds at which you |
| off, keeping the runner close and getting them | | | | throw to the bag. A slow, quick and pick-off |
| caught in a pickle. | | | | move. Having different styles and speeds really |
| Here are a few ways to be unpredictable as a | | | | throw off the base runners. |
| pitcher: | | | | Remember, as a pitcher your main concern is not |
| Pitching Tip #2 - You can vary how long you will | | | | the base runner but the batter. There are those |
| stay in the set position. Sometimes you will only | | | | intimidating base runners that will keep trying to |
| want to be set for one second before you throw. | | | | distracting you. Don't allow that to happen. That is |
| Other times stay there for three seconds. If you | | | | easier said than done at times, but if you allow |
| use this strategy, the important thing to | | | | that to happen you will find yourself getting in a |
| remember is to not let it affect your own timing. | | | | rut and having a hard time getting out of it. |
| If you can't stay in your rhythm and it throws of | | | | |