DEFENSIVE TIPS FOR PITCHERS

BACKING UP

There are many times in a game that the pitcher is required to back up throws from the outfield. The two most common mistakes they make are:

1. Get there too late. They are upset about the hit, forget about the game situation and stand on the mound, usually with their heads down. By the time they react, the runner is around second, the throw is already coming to third. The reality is that you can’t change what has happened - get into position - react immediately!

2. When they back up, they stand too close to the player receiving the ball. You need to stand far enough away so that you have a good angle to get to an overthrow that gets past the receiver. The best position is about three or four steps in front of the boundary line / back stop (Depending on the field).

COVERING FIRST BASE

The pitcher must cover first base on all balls hit to the right side of the infield - including the ball hit towards the second baseman. Never assume that the first baseman or second baseman will always be able to make the play. When the First Baseman fields the ball

• Run hard in a direct line to a certain point close to the base line about 12 feet down from the bag

• Run straight up the baseline making sure you are inside the foul line

• As you get near the bag, get under control by taking short, ‘choppy’ steps

• Call for the ball – yell ‘Ball, ball” - catch the ball one or two steps before reaching the bag so that you can find the bag

• Try to tag the base with your right foot

• If there are runners on base:
  
  • After tagging the bag with your right foot take one step with your left and then stop and pivot on your right foot, turning your body towards the infield so that you can pick up the other runners
    
  • Catch the ball with both hands, get your arm up, ready to throw the ball
    
  • If there was a runner on third he probably has scored so you try to pick up the back runners who may be trying to score from second or go to third from first

COMMUNICATION

• If the pitcher can get to a bunted or slow roller ball, he must yell “ball, ball” OR “Me, Me”so that the first baseman knows to go cover first base.

• On a ball he cannot get to he must yell, “take it, take it” OR “you, you” and go cover first base.

• On any pass balls, wild pitches, foul pop fly, etc.; help the catcher find the ball by pointing at the ball and yelling “1”, “2” or “3”. “1” meaning the ball is toward the first base side, “2” meaning the ball is back behind the plate and “3” meaning that the ball is going toward the third base side. Yell “front 1”, “front 2” or “front 3” if the ball is in front of him.

• The pitcher must know who is covering second on a double play ball hit back to him. To make sure, before each batter, check with the middle infielders and confirm that everyone is in agreement.

COVERING HOME PLATE

When covering home plate any time the ball gets past the catcher;

• break hard off the mound and get your body under control by taking short, ‘choppy’ steps as you get near the plate

• point at the ball and yell “1”, “2” or “3”

• place your left foot on the first base corner of the plate

• Place your right foot in front of the plate towards the mound - You position yourself this way so that you give the runner a place to slide. By giving him a place to slide, you know where he is going and you know where to put the tag.

• Watch the ball go into your glove – don’t turn your head

• Turn the back of your glove toward the runner and ‘drop’ your glove down by dropping to one knee (your left knee)

• Once contact is made, pull your glove ‘up and out’.

FIELDING BUNTS

Mistakes made in fielding bunts by the pitcher are usually caused by one big reason. He hits the panic button. And when that happens the ball is either not fielded or is usually thrown away because of poor feet work / mechanics. The tips indicated below, if followed, will prevent you from hitting the panic button:

• Know the situation. Is it a bunting situation? Does the batter have a history of bunting? Is the batter the lead off or the number two man in the line up? What’s the score? Is it late in the game? In other words, you should not be surprised by a bunt. Doesn’t it make sense that if you prepare yourself mentally you will be prepared physically?

• Anticipate where the ball will be bunted. Usually with a runner on first, a sacrifice bunt will be directed towards the first base side. With runners on first and second, a sacrifice bunt will be directed towards third base.

• Before you pitch the ball tell yourself where you are going to throw the ball and why. Know what you are going to do with the ball when you field it. Say the words to yourself! The body will do what the mind tells it to do. For example; “If he bunts to the right side, I’m going to first because there are two outs” or “If the ball is bunted back to me I’m throwing to third because the runner on second is the catcher – he’s big and slow. I can get him!”

• Have a feel for the speed of the runners.

• As you approach the ball slow down and get control of your body by taking short ‘choppy’ steps.

• See the ball go into your glove – the brim of your hat follows the ball into your glove

• Field the bunt off your pivot foot. This way, if there is no time, your foot is already planted, allowing you to shift your weight and throw. If there is time you have the option to use the crow-hop.

• On ‘dead balls’ (slow roller that has stopped moving):
  
  • Pick the ball up with your bare hand (not your glove) and bring the ball directly up into the throwing position
    
  • Push down on the ball as you are picking it up – this insures a good grip and eliminates just using your finger tips to pick the ball up.
    
  • Position your feet in such a way that as you are picking up the ball, it is inside your pivot foot - this allows you to throw off the correct foot.
  • The ball should be between your legs, out in front, directly in line with your head, which is looking down as you are bending down.
  • If you fumble a bunt or slow roller when there is a runner at second or first, fake a throw to first and you might catch the runner at second or first trying to advance to home or third. If so, throw to the shortstop who is covering third or the second baseman who is covering second.

DOUBLE PLAY

The pitcher must know who is covering second on a double play ball hit back to him. To make sure, before each batter, check with the middle infielders and confirm that everyone is in agreement. If a right-handed batter is up, the second baseman will take the throw and if a left-handed batter is up, the shortstop will take the throw. Before each pitch, tell yourself what you are going to do when you field the ball. Say the words - don’t be embarrassed - no one can hear you but you. For example; “When I field the ball, I will throw right to the shortstop covering second because there’s a left handed batter up.”

When the ball is hit back to you DON’T PANIC!

• Catch the ball - watch it go into your glove - hear the catcher yell “two - two”
  
  
• Get control of your feet before you throw - keep your balance
  
• Make a sharp, crisp throw - it doesn’t have to be your best fast ball
  
  
• Be aggressive, but don’t rush - be accurate. Being accurate is more important then how fast you get the ball there.
  
  
• Throw to the middle infielder covering the bag - lead him slightly – unless he is already at the bag - let him catch the ball then find the bag. Throw to the bag only if the middle fielder is already at the bag.

Remember; your first objective is to get an out - get the lead runner. If you get the batter out at first then that’s a bonus!

HOLDING RUNNERS ON

The objective is to get the ball over as quickly as possible - rather than as hard as possible!

It doesn’t matter if you are right handed or left-handed. In order to throw off the base stealers timing you need to change your rhythm:

1. Don’t get into a pattern - give different looks. Mix up your approach. For example; first, kick and throw to the plate. Next, slide step. Next, hold for two seconds, step off. Next, slide step. But don’t repeat this with the next batter.

2. Don’t just throw over one time. Throw two, three times.

3. If you throw over more than once, change your timing. First, hold for four seconds, and then throw over. Next, hold for two seconds, and then throw over. Next, hold for six seconds, then throw over.

FIRST BASE

Right Handed Pitcher:

• Don’t reach down and back to put some mustard on the ball. This takes too much time because of the long arm arc created by attempting to throw your fastball.
  
  
• The initial arm movement should be up and in close to the body.
  
  
• The throwing hand should not go below the waist or extended back.
  
  
• The throw should be a short-arm arc with a lot of forearm action.
  
  
• To be quicker take a short step with your left foot

Left Handed Pitcher:

• The key is to be consistent with your stride foot- always look the same whether going to first or to the plate
  
  
• Since the left handed pitchers move is based on deception, it should be slower than a right hander
  
  
• Start your initial movement fairly slowly and then quicken as you begin to move toward first base or to the plate
  
  
• When throwing to first use a side arm motion - it’s quicker and helps with the deception.