The goal isn’t to guess whether a pitcher is going home or throwing over. It’s to read it.

Pickoffs are a game within the game.

A good baserunner isn’t just watching the pitcher. They’re studying the pitcher’s habits, timing, eyes, feet, and body language to figure out whether the next move is going to be a pitch or a pickoff.

The goal isn’t to guess. It’s to read.

Different pitchers use different pickoff moves, and understanding what to look for can give you the extra split second you need to get a better jump or avoid getting picked off.

Right-Handed Pitchers

Right-handed pitchers have several ways they can pick to first. Learn to recognize their individual tendencies before trying to steal.

• Show Me / Step Off: The pitcher slowly steps off the rubber and throws over to first.
• Jump Pick: When set, the pitcher quickly spins toward first with both feet and throws over in one smooth motion.
• Balk Move: The pitcher buckles the front knee and throws to first. Depending on the umpire’s judgment and the specific movement, this may be called a balk.
• Hold and Pick: The pitcher holds the ball for an unusually long time to disrupt your timing, then suddenly throws over.
• Pick on the Way Up: After getting the sign and while coming to the set position, the pitcher quickly picks to first.
• Timing: Some pitchers pick off in the same cadence repeatedly. If you recognize the pattern, you may be able to anticipate the move.
• Head / Look: Some pitchers don’t look at first when they’re about to pick. Pay attention to what the pitcher normally does when delivering home compared to when picking.

Left-Handed Pitchers

Lefties can be especially difficult to read because they are already facing first base.

Look for these clues:

• Token Move: The pitcher lifts the leg up and over toward first base.
• Step Off from Set: The pitcher comes set, steps off quickly with the back foot, and throws to first in one motion.
• Step Off on the Way Up: The same basic move, but the pitcher does it after getting the sign and before becoming fully set.
• Hang and Read: The pitcher lifts the leg and has the option to pick or go home. This can be difficult to run on unless you’re committed on the first move.
• Head / Look: Pay attention to whether the pitcher looks toward home before picking or looks toward first before delivering the pitch.
• Foot: Watch the pitcher’s foot. If the toes point down, it can be a good indication that a pickoff is coming.
• Neutral Head: Some pitchers look at the same spot whether they’re delivering the ball or picking. Don’t rely on the head alone. Learn the entire motion.

The Best Way to Learn a Pitcher

Don’t wait until you’re on first base to start figuring out a pitcher’s pickoff move.

Watch them from the dugout. Pay attention to their first few pitches. Look for patterns in their timing, head movement, feet, and overall delivery.

Then communicate what you see with your teammates.

Great baserunning starts with preparation. The more you understand the pitcher before you get on base, the better prepared you’ll be when the opportunity to take the next base comes.

Don’t just watch the pitcher. Read the pitcher.