The timing of the "no look" pickoff

An absolutely great way to keep a runner close at 2B is to not look at all. What?

Base stealers look for rhythm with a pitcher. Typically, pitchers throw after one look. They come set and look at the runner at 2B and then throw home. The base stealer takes advantage of this rhythm and anticipates the one look and could effectively steal during that one look. Well, if the pitcher never looks he can keep him close because a runners timing is disrupted.

But, what about attempting a pickoff after showing the no look throw home? Since the pitcher never looks at the middle infielders there must be some sort of timing that goes into the play. Absolutely there is some timing.

When the pitcher comes set, there needs to be a count that gets associated with the pitcher. As soon as the pitchers hands come to a rest the middle infielder going for the pickoff attempt counts "one thousand one" and then goes to the bag for the throw. Now, if the infielder isn't there the ball will sail into centerfield. It is imperative that the covering middle infielder be close enough to the bag so the throw can be handled easily. This involves "cheating" over to the bag as the pitcher comes set.

The no look pickoff is seldom effective without the no look pitch preceding it. In order for this to work, a great "setup" needs to occur between the pitcher and his middle infielders.

Keep a close eye on the number of looks a pitcher gives the runner at 2B. See if 0 looks is ever an option.