3rd baseman responsabilites while occupied

Question

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My son is 12 years old. Plays 3rd regularly. It is USSSA rules.

When a runner is occupying 3rd should he hover over the base (not blocking) to accommodate a pick off throw from the pitcher (like a pick to first)? I know there are several situations that could arise but just some general rule of thumb guidance would be appreciated. Thank.

Answer
John:

You never want your 3B on the bag.  It creates too big a hole on the left side, so what happens is pickoff plays at 3B are pre-set timing plays, between the 3B and the pitcher, or the 3B and the catcher.

Timing is created so that the baseball and the 3B get to the bag simultaneously.  

On a pick with a RH pitcher:  When he lifts his leg to his balance point, 3B breaks to the bag.  Pitcher steps towards 3B, and throws.

With LH pitcher, he picks up the 3B's break out of the corner of his eye, turns and throws.

Pick from the catcher, catcher gives the signal, so that the throwdown is on the next pitch.  3B breaks to bag as soon as he sees the ball has not been hit.

The pick from the catcher can also be run as a pitchout, with a LH hitter up.  In that case the 3B can break a little earlier.  Works well with a runner who is out of control coming down the baseline, or one who is lazy at getting back once the ball reaches the plate.

This pickoff system frees your 3B up to play the game situation as it is at the time and only be concerned with a runner who takes too many liberties, or is out of control and an easy out.

Picks at 3B are a possible disaster waiting to happen, as a poor throw or missed ball leads to a run scored.  At first and second, generally just a one base move up.  We use them sparingly, in times of real need or a pretty sure out.

Hope this helps.  Good luck to your son and yourself as you go forward.

Yours in baseball,

Rick