There are many reasons for being certain that you choose the right person as the catcher for your team. Not only must they possess great physical attributes such as strength, quickness and "durability", they must also possess an adroit mental approach to the game. It is one thing to be able to "call" a good game and it is another to be able to control the tempo and momentum of the game. Great catchers are able to do this. Having a great pitcher and a great catcher might keep runners off base, but that might be unrealistic for the majority of us! A catcher who is able to control the offense by anticipating plays, calling the correct pitches, holding runners close to bases and/or picking off runners will help win many ballgames.

There are two such plays that I believe distinguish the good from the great catchers: the "first and third" play and the "pick-off". However, no matter how outstanding your catcher is, if you, as a coach, do not practice such plays, your catcher and thus your team, will always remain no better than good. Both of these plays require communication, signals, execution and perfect timing. There are several different ways to defend against both of these offensive situations. We will talk about the strategy and mechanics for the "pick-off" plays only.

The object of having a "pick-off" play in your arsenal of defensive strategies is two-fold. Primarily, it is to throw a runner out who is on base and has taken too big of a lead off of the base. The other is for your opponent to know that your team is very capable of picking off runners, thus forcing the runners to take a shorter jump. This will cut down on runners being able to take an extra base on a hit.

"Pick-off" plays can be executed at any base utilizing different defensive players to perform the skill. Although I have even seen a "pick-off" executed at second base using the center fielder (and it was successful), I choose to use a more conservative approach with the proper "back up" fielder in place. I never want to put a runner into scoring position. They will have to make it there on their own. However, it is best to learn different options for the "pick-off" and avoid being a predictable team. There are times when a catcher just has great instincts and will communicate directly with a fielder (usually first base) and run a "pick-off" between the two of them. You must be very careful when this occurs. For one thing, there is usually no "back-up" fielder and if the catcher has not called for a "pitch-out", the ball might be hit while the first baseman is backing up to "pick-off". A difficult "pick-off" (although not impossible) is one attempted at first base with a left-handed hitter at bat. I was fortunate to have two All-American, left-handed catchers. They could call for an inside pitch (right-handed batter). If it were hit, it would probably go to the left side of the field. If it was not hit, the pitch put the catcher into the throwing position for a quick throw to first base.

With any "pick-off" play, many things come into focus. You must evaluate the score of the game, the inning, the number of outs, other runners on base, the count on the batter, the type of hitter...is she right or left-handed, the speed of the runner, the size of the lead-off, whether to call for it early or late in the count, etc. It would be good to discuss these issues with your catcher throughout the game. You need to anticipate what each runner might do if they get on base based on what you already know about that particular player.

The Breakdown of the "Pick-off" Play at First Base (utilizing the second baseman):
(Assuming that there are no other runners on base)
I train my catchers to walk out in front of home plate throughout the game and particularly when there is a runner on base. They communicate to team member at that time (i.e. call the number of outs, tell infield to watch the bunt, etc.). The other team should not suspect anything out of the ordinary when your team decides to run the "pick-off".

1. Personnel involved: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman and right fielder.

2. The catcher initiates the play.

a. She will step out in front of home plate as usual.

b. She talks to her teammates and at the same time gives a signal to the base person who will perform the "pick-off".

c. This is pre-determined. For example, if the catcher touches the top of her chest protector, it is the signal for the first baseman. If the catcher touches the bottom of her chest protector, it is the signal for the second baseman. Both fielders should be anticipating a "pick-off" and watch for the signal. You can use whatever pair of signals you wish. You can also use a signal to signify which number pitch you will use for the "pick-off". That way, the offense may think that you will not try a "pick-off" if the catcher does not move out in front of the plate.

3. Once the catcher has given the signal (usually to the second baseman because she is coming in from behind the runner), it is imperative that both fielders acknowledge that they know that the "pick-off" is on. The return signal to the catcher can be whatever you choose.

4. At that time, all fielders go about their business as usual. However, the fielder receiving the signal from the catcher will turn to the right fielder and pass the signal on to her. She will do this as she tells her the number of outs. The right fielder also must acknowledge that she has received the signal.