The "pitchout" mechanics

If you are a team that uses the pitchout, you better be a team that teaches how to "pitchout."

Here is how you do it.

The first thing that can affect the success of the pitchout is the manner in which the pitcher delivers the ball to home plate. The pitcher must not be too quick but quick enough to give the catcher a chance at throwing the runner out. In other words, the pitcher should absolutely not slide step. The last thing you want is the pitcher being the reason that a runner doesn't run. If you're throwing an intentional ball, you want an out opportunity. Therefore, the pitcher needs to give the runner the impression that he can run. Quick to the plate but not quick enough to deter the runner from getting a good jump in his mind.

Now for the catcher.

The manner in which the catcher approaches the ball depends on whether the hitter is righthanded or lefthanded.

If the hitter is a righty, the catcher has a 4 step movement to throw the runner out at 2nd base. The first move he'll make is a step out with his right foot. Then he'll gain a lot of ground by meeting the ball with his left foot. This move is essential. He has got to move forward in the direction of 2nd base to shorten his throw. The basic premise of the pitchout is to make the catcher's time much better. Nothing quickens the catcher's time like a shorter throw. Once the ball is received the footwork is the same for the catcher. RIGHT, LEFT AND FIRE!

If the hitter is a lefty, the catcher has a 3 step movement to throw the runner out. His step out move and gain ground move can be made in the same step. The left foot will clear and gain ground simultaneously. When the ball is received it again becomes RIGHT, LEFT AND FIRE!

Again, the major tenet in understanding the pitchout is repping it enough so the catcher leaves his position on time(don't want a catcher's balk) and gains enough ground to make the pitchout effective.