Glossary
Pickoff signs
Pickoff signs are the signals a team uses to tell the pitcher and a fielder that a throw to a base is coming, so the throw and the fielder arrive together.
A pickoff only works if the fielder and the pitcher agree on the moment. The sign sets the count, the look or the number of looks, and the fielder moves to the base on that signal, so the throw arrives while the runner is leaning.
Common versions: the catcher gives a pickoff sign by finger or touching the mask, the middle infielder signals to the pitcher with a glove, or the pitcher steps off on a count. Pickoffs at first, second and third each use a different sign, and teams change signs often, since a runner who sees one pickoff sign knows when to hold.
A sheet in the dugout and a wristband for the catcher both help, since a young team forgets which sign belongs to which base. A coaches sheet carries pickoff signs along with the other defensive calls.
When to call it
- A runner on first who takes a big lead and never looks back to the base.
- A runner on second against a team without a middle infielder who covers the base.
- A catcher who wants to hold a runner on third before a squeeze.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gives the pickoff sign?
Usually the catcher or a middle infielder, to the pitcher. Some teams let the coach call it from the dugout and pass it to the catcher.
How many times can a pitcher throw over?
It depends on the league. Many youth leagues have no limit; some professional rules restrict the number of disengagements. For example, Major League Baseball allows only two pickoff attempts per plate appearance. If the pitcher throws over a third time and does not pick off the runner, the runner is awarded an additional base by rule.
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