1st and 3rds

Question
I played high school and college ball and understand and know how 1st and 3rds work. I coach 14U and want to find a good way to explain to that age group. Can you help. I have already used your bunt defense!! Makes it easy to explain.  

Answer
Hello Chrissy

Many coaches will teach their players to always guard the corners this situation. Basically what that means is give up second base to prevent the runner from advancing from third to home but create opportunities to get an out with a set play or if the ball is put in play.    

Advance teams usually have different ways to defend with runners on first and third and I will attempt to generally explain the common defenses. Of course the defense has the play the ball first in case it was put in play.  

R3 is on third R1 is on first. On pitch R1 attempts to steal 2nd. Shortstop covers 2nd and the second baseman cuts between pitcher and 2nd base on the throw down. If R3 breaks for home or take an extremely big lead the pitcher yells - 'cut' - and the second baseman cuts the throw to second base and throws home or runs down R3 if she freezes. If R3 stays at third on the throw down to second the pitcher says nothing and the throw to second is allowed through.  Just keep in mind this takes a lot of practice even with skilled players to get the timing, recognition, and communication down.

The most important thing is to keep the runner at third from going home. Teams that don't have skilled or mature (experienced) players could try having the catcher fake like she's throwing to second base but she actually throws hard back at the pitcher or short stop which stayed in position hoping to draw R3 off base for a quick throw to third or home if R3 breaks home. This is the best option especially if the other teams usually steal second easily on your catcher.  

The play that worked great for me in this situation is a third base 憄ick-off' play (my personal favorite). Because R3 is often eager to take a big lead this often works. The third baseman plays up in normal position, the pitcher pitches a ball out of the strike zone (high and outside). When pitchers arm is on the swing down for delivery the short stop hooks around toward third base, the third baseman takes a couple of more steps up likes she's expecting a bunt (this helps draw R3 even further off). Catcher throws ball to shortstop covering third nailing R3.  It Works especially well on a fake or attempted bunt / steal situation.

Again guarding the corners is usually the safest bet. The key is to put the players in this game type situation during practice and see what plays work for your team.