Pickoff Attempt At 2nd - Balk?

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Had a college coach show me a thing he taught his pitchers. In the set, hands together, F1 would have a slow subtle hand break a moment before the pivot and step to 2B. He said it was rarely caught.

Also there is the simultaneous step off and backwards throw to 2B that I'm starting to see more of. I balk that.

What advantage did F1 gain by "a slow subtle hand break a moment before the pivot"? What was the coach teaching". I don't get it.

We have a guy in our chapter who has a reputation of using his active imagination when calling balks...don't be that guy. But if you've got to be that guy, don't be my partner.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bluehair

What advantage did F1 gain by "a slow subtle hand break a moment before the pivot"? What was the coach teaching". I don't get it.

I agree completely. No reward, all risk... not a healthy idea.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by bluehair

What advantage did F1 gain by "a slow subtle hand break a moment before the pivot"? What was the coach teaching". I don't get it.

We have a guy in our chapter who has a reputation of using his active imagination when calling balks...don't be that guy. But if you've got to be that guy, don't be my partner.

He said the runner would think the pitcher was starting to go home and would be leaning. He said they were pretty successful with the move.