Are runners getting big leads off first base on you?

Instead of continually throwing over to the bag to chase the runner back, try to vary your look-over and hold times before the delivery of the pitch.

Pitchers in the Chicago Cubs organization will vary their hold times with runners on base between 1, 3, and 5 seconds. This makes it difficult for runners to get a good jump on them.

Work on it in practice. In your bullpens, work on coming set and then counting "One M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i" before you pitch.

Then hold the ball for three and five seconds.

The toughest one will be the five-second hold. It'll seem like a long time. I encourage you to resist the urge to speed it up. Give it a full five seconds. It'll really improve your game and deter runners from stealing on you.

And the best part of varying your looks and holds? You don't have to throw over to the bag all the time!

Work on it!