rundown in softball

Question
QUESTION: Question.  What is the best way to handle a run down when the runner changes direction.  How do the players rotate around the runner?  Could you give an example of a runner caught between home and third.  What players should be involved in the run down and how should they rotate.

ANSWER: SURE,


 WELL FIRST YOU HAVE YOUR THIRD BASEMAN AND YOUR CATCHER. AFTER THEY THROW THE BALL YOUR SHORT-STOP WILL COME IN BEHIND 3RD BASE TO CATCH THE NEXT BALL AND THE THIRD BASE MAN IS BEHIND HER(BUT NOT TO CLOSE) JUST LIKE "BACKING HER UP" THEN SHE ROTATES BACK TO CATCH AND THROW AND THE SHORT-STOP BACKS HER UP AND THIS KEEPS GOING UNTIL THE PLAY IS OVER. THE CATCHER WILL STAY AT HOME BECAUSE SHE CAN SEE THE RUNNER CLEARLY, AND ALSO SHE HAS ON GEAR SO IF THE RUNNER SLAMS INTO HER (WHICH MOST LIKLY HAPPENS AFTER A RUN DOWN) IT WONT HURT HER AS BAD. THE PITCHER IS TO GO BEHIND THE CATCHER IN CASE THE BALL GETS PAST THE CATCHER. BUT LIKE I SAID NOT TO CLOSE YOU DONT WANT HER IN THE WAY OR TO GET HIT IN THE HEAD BECAUSE SHE CANT SEE THE BALL COMING AT HER. LEFT FIELD SHOULD BE BACKING UP THE 3RD BASE THROWS. SHE SHOULD COME IN FAIRLY CLOSE SO THAT IF THE BALL DOES GET OVER THROWN, SHE WILL STILL BE CLOSE ENOUGHT TO THROW THE RUNNER OUT.**** IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER RUNNERS ON THE BASES, THATS WHERE CENTER FIELD, RIGHT FIELD AND 2ND AND 1ST BASE COME IN!! THE OUTFIELDERS BACK UP THEIR BASES AT ALL TIMES. EVEN IF THEY DONT SEE THE RUNNER RUNING. BETTER SAFE THEN SORRY. AND THE INFIELDERS COVER THEIR BAGS! SO EVERYONE IS DOING SOMETHING!!! MAKE SURE YOU PRACTICE THIS, IT CAN GET CONFUSING AND TURN INTO A BIG MESS!!! GOOD LUCK....APRIL

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response.

So you do not teach follow the ball?  I have been told that a proper run down, the thrower should follow where the ball goes.  I have also heard that the fielder peels back after the throw and returns to the base they started only when they are close to the base.  For example if the catcher has run the player more than 1/2 way back and makes the throw, does it really make sense for the catcher to turn around and run all the way back?

Answer
well if the catcher runs away from the base that where the pitcher comes in to cover. that is why she is back there. follow the ball method in my experience is not a good method. it waste to much time and it allows room for more mistakes to be made. and if the same player is peeling back to the base she will start to get anxious an is more likely to make a mistake. if all the players are rotating this keeps everyone on their toes and ready for anything. and this also intimidates the runner. how old are you girls that your are coaching?