Over the years, I have had the privilege of playing with and against some very talented left-handed pitchers. Even though, I am right handed and will never need to know how to “snap pick” to first, I still enjoy watching good left-handed pitchers and how they control, or even eliminate, the opposition's running game.
For you lefties out there (or coaches of lefties), here are some easy ways to keep a single from turning into a double.
1) Look the runner down...every pitch- Too often, LHP’s get caught only looking at the runner when delivering a pitch. They also look at the plate when they lift their leg and intend upon picking to first. A LHP who does this is called a “head guy.” Good high school coaches these days are all over this. When a LHP becomes a “head guy” (meaning the runner can gauge if it is pitch or a pick by the pitchers head), runners can walk to 2nd base as soon as the pitcher lifts his leg while looking at him.
To prevent this as a LHP, look the runner down every pitch. If you are going to pick to first, look at him, then pick. And if you’re going to make a pitch, look at him, and then deliver the pitch. This will prevent you from ever becoming a “head guy” and will show the runner that you are aware of him.
2) Learn and develop a good “snap pick”- A “snap pick” is a great pick-off move for a LHP. For this pick, a LHP while coming set (or soon after coming set), steps off with his back foot and throws to first simultaneously. On this pick, it is about a quick release; not how hard it is thrown. If you pick one guy off with a good snap pick, word will travel; and, you will notice opponents taking shorter leads.
3) Walk off your pick-off- Although there is no 45-degree rule in the rule book, it is the umpire’s discretion whether or not you commit to the plate or step more toward first during a pick-off. To flirt with that fine line (or even cross over it a bit to gain an advantage), after your right foot hits the ground and you release the pick-off, walk off of the mound immediately. This way, an umpire will be less likely to call you for a balk because he won’t have a clear view as to where you put your foot down. (Especially if it is only a two man umpiring crew where you have a home plate umpire and an umpire between you and the shortstop). It’s like an umpire told me one time, if they are the only ones in the ballpark who see a balk, they don’t call it. If everyone in the ballpark knows it’s a balk, they call it. Walking off the mound right after you throw to first will leave doubt in everyone’s mind and give you a chance to get that runner leaning off of first.
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