The mechanics of the quick pick.

When a base runner gets his lead from 1st base, often times he makes a simple mistake of looking back at the bag. This is an error that should be taken advantage of. Here's how.

The catcher notices the runner is a bag peeker. If he can identify when he is going to look, he can pick him off. The catcher rather than putting his hand in his crotch area for a signal to the pitcher, he puts his hand up in front of his chest. This alerts the pitcher that something else other than a pitch is on. The pitcher should get ready to make an attempt at a pickoff rather than preparing to throw a pitch.

When the catcher thinks the peek is coming, he throws his arm in the direction of the pitcher. The pitcher then turns and fires to the awaiting 1B. By the time the bag peeker swivels his head back around it's simply too late and we have recorded an out at 1B.

The effectiveness of the quick pick lies in a perfectly timed signal from the catcher. This signal must then be followed by an accurate throw. The throw doesn't need to be lightning quick. The runner's poor base running mechanics is the reason for the plays success. Although the throw should not be extraordinarily slow, it doesn't have to be as fast as normal either. The throw should simply be accurate.

There are many outs to be had out there because of this play.