Line in the Sand

With a runner on second, the pitcher and middle infielders must work together to hold the runner. 

The pitcher should NOT throw to the plate if...

• the runner is too far off the base

• the runner has any kind of momentum toward 3rd base

• the middle infielders are out of position.

It all starts with the line in the sand. The line in the sand is an imaginary line about 12 to 15 feet from the bag which represents the maximum lead we will allow a runner to get. If he disrespects us and extends his lead beyond the line, we will pick him off.

If the shortstop is holding the runner, he will start a couple yards behind the baseline and will set his right foot on the line in the sand (the red dashed line below). If at any point the shortstop’s view is blocked by the base runner, then the base runner is too far off.

If the 2nd baseman is in charge of holding the runner, he will start the same distance from 2nd base as the line in the sand but on the other side of the bag. Because the runner is on the other side of the bag, it is a little tougher for the 2nd baseman. He must use his eyes to determine the size of the runner’s lead.

The pitcher comes set looking at home then checks the runner. On his final look, seeing that the runner’s feet are stopped and that he has not reached the line, the pitcher will turn back to the plate, pick up his target quickly, and pitch. The infielder will take three hard shuffles towards the foul pole to get into defensive position as soon as the pitcher's head turns back to the plate on his final look. 

The pitcher comes set looking at home then checks the runner. The runner’s lead is short of the line but he continues to increase his lead. The pitcher cannot throw home until the runner stops and he sees the runner’s lead is short of the line.

The pitcher comes set looking at home then checks the runner and sees that the runner is past the line. Once the runner gets past the line, the infielder breaks to the bag and the pitcher either picks to second or steps off. If it is obvious that the runner will get back safely, the pitcher should not throw the ball to 2nd base even though he has turned to pick.

If the shortstop is holding the runner, the runner is too far off if the shortstop does not have a clear view of the pitcher and the pitcher does not have a clear view of the shortstop. Here are a couple examples of the pros executing the pickoff in this scenario.

The pitcher comes set looking at home then checks the runner and sees that the runner is way past the line and is almost halfway to 2nd base. The pitcher must step off and run towards the runner to start a rundown and he must make the runner commit. If possible, the pitcher should get to the 3rd base side of the runner to force him back towards 2nd base.

Inside Move and Mixing Things Up

To keep base runners honest, the pitcher must vary his number of looks (0, 1, or 2). When going no look, the pitcher will come set looking at the plate, pause for a quick second, then pitch. We will also have the option to call for a timing pick or an inside move. Below is an example of an inside move. When making the inside move, the pitcher should be deliberate, mimicking as best as possible his regular move and tempo to the plate.

If an inside move is called, the 2nd baseman or shortstop (whoever is holding the runner) will make their move to cover 2nd base after the pitcher reaches the top of his leg lift. They should not move too early and risk giving it away. The pitcher does not have to throw the ball if there is nothing there. Remember, this play is about deception not quickness. The pitcher can also do an inside move at any time, even if it is not called pre-pitch. The purpose of this play is to slow the runner up by giving him one more thing to think about. Getting an out from the play is a bonus but not the goal.