A pickoff play teaches communication and timing. The pitcher and first baseman have to move in sync, and the runner has to decide whether to dive back or run.

Equipment needed: 6 baseballs, two bases, cones for the box around first base.

Setup: Set up a diamond at 60 feet per side. You’re the pitcher. One kid is the first baseman. One is a runner. One is on deck. A coach or older player is the catcher.

How to run it:

  1. Runner takes a lead off first (about 8 feet).
  2. Pitcher and first baseman look at each other. Count down silently: three, two, one.
  3. On one, the pitcher spins and throws to first. The first baseman runs to the bag with their glove up.
  4. The runner decides: dive back or run to second.
  5. If the first baseman catches it, they make the tag. If they miss, they back up the catcher.
  6. Do 5 reps. Rotate runner, first baseman, pitcher.

What to look for: Timing and communication. If the pitcher throws too early or too late, the play fails. If the first baseman doesn’t sprint, they won’t be there to catch it.

If they’re struggling: Walk through the count and the throw at half speed. Get the timing first, then add the runner.

If they’ve got it: Add a second runner at second. Now the pitcher has two threats and has to pick which to hold.