First & Third

First & Third: Pitchout, Back-Pick Third

Pitchout → C back-picks R3 leaning

Expecting the runner on third to get greedy, the defense calls a pitchout and the catcher fires to third to back-pick him.

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Ball Bag Backup

Key point

A pitchout takes the bat out of it and gives the catcher a clean look — call it when the runner at third is getting greedy with his lead.

Drill

Pitchout-and-back-pick reps to third; the third baseman times his break while the pitcher and shortstop rotate to back up.

Watch for

Calling the pitchout but the third baseman not sneaking back in time — the back-pick only works if the bag is covered.