pickoffs

Pickoffs are defensive plays in baseball designed to retire baserunners who are off a base. They occur when the defending team, usually the pitcher or catcher, makes a throw to a base to get the runner out before the runner can return safely. A pickoff is successful when the fielder with the ball touches the base the runner is attempting to reach, or tags the runner while he is off the base, resulting in an out.

The most common form is the pitcher’s pickoff move to first base. The pitcher may use a feint, a quick step toward the base, or a “step-off” to reset and then throw to first in an effort to catch the runner off the bag. Pickoffs can also involve the catcher throwing to second base on a runner attempting to steal, or, less commonly, a pitcher attempting to second or third base when a runner is in position to advance. The effectiveness of these plays depends on timing, the runner’s lead, and the pitcher’s or catcher’s arm strength and deception.

Strategically, teams use pickoffs to deter baserunning and disrupt opponents’ running games. A successful pickoff can shift momentum and frustrate a runner, while a failed attempt risks a balk, wasted pitches, or a misplay that advances the runner.

In statistics, a pitcher can be credited with a pickoff out, and teams may track pickoff percentage as a measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness in controlling the running game. Pickoffs are a recurring element of pitching strategy and baserunning defense in baseball.