Baseball Defense play: Pick-off after bb

Pick-Off After BB

This play is designed to pick-off the batter-runner if he makes the mistake of running past or through first base after a walk, which often happens in youth leagues.

After ball four, the catcher steps into foul territory and waits until the batter-runner is at least two-thirds of the way to first base.

The catcher throws behind the batter-runner as he approaches first base. This is the key to making this play work: the batter-runner must be unaware that the first baseman will receive the ball.

If the batter-runner makes the mistake of turning towards second, or running through or past the base he can be tagged out.

Of course, if the first-base coach is paying attention this play will not be successful.