The mechanics of the fake to 3B play(corners play)

When runners get on 1st and 3rd, the right handed pitcher has a "deceiving" play that he may use. Many will admonish the play saying "I never see it work" but it certainly does have merit. The efficacy of the play is based upon some fundamental base running mistakes that are less apparent at upper levels. Therefore, it makes this play very effective at the high school level.

Here is the play.

The pitcher fakes to 3B. This is move must resemble as closely as possible the motion of a pitcher throwing home. The effectiveness of the play is based solely upon the runner at 1B thinking the pitcher is throwing home. If it appears that a pickoff might be on, the runner will not take off. Therefore, first and foremost, the pitcher must give the impression that he is throwing home despite his bluff to 3B.

Following the fake to 3B, the pitcher should very quickly turn around with his arm in position to throw. But, at the amateur level, there is a very real chance that a throw to 1B will not ensue. There is a great chance that a throw to 2B will ensue.

At the amateur level, many base runners run with their head down. At the amateur level, many base runners look at a pitcher's front foot when stealing. If a runner is guilty of both- more than likely he will be sprinting to second base in an attempt to steal 2B. The pitcher, meanwhile, has the ball in his hand. If the pitcher can make an accurate throw to the SS an out will result.

The play again hinges on some key tenets.

1) The initial fake must have deception.
2) The glance back to 1st must be quick.
3) The pitcher must turn around with the intent to throw somewhere.
4) The SS better not be daydreaming as the runner very well might be sprinting toward 2B.