A pickoff play that requires lots of teammwork

Segment 23 in "trick or treat"month.

This pickoff play requires a lot of time and effort to run. Personally, I think it requires too much time and effort but knowing about the play allows you to not become vulnerable to plays of this nature.

You can run the play at any base. The pitcher feints a throw to the base. If the pitcher feints a throw to 1B he must of course remember to step off the rubber 1st. When he feints the throw he puts the ball under his arm to hide its whereabouts. The fielders at the base of the attempted pickoff dive as if they are trying to secure an errant throw. The outfielders must be in on the play too as they are to run after the apparent ball that is moving in their direction. All of this occurs while the runner is trying to locate a ball that is nowhere to be found.

The guise is effective if the baserunner believes the actions of the defense. If he begins running to the next base, the pitcher removes the ball from under his armpit and throws to a fielder awaiting the throw. Out recorded.

In order for the play to be effective, any defensive player that could assist the runner in finding the ball must be moving in accordance with the play. A flat footed outfielder may tip the runner that the ball isn't where it is supposed to be. Very embarrassing when it works against you.