runner on 3rd batter walks
2016/7/15 17:51:23
Question
I coach a 12U team. What is the best instruction to give my team for defending when there is a runner on third and the batter walks and continues on to second?
Answer
Hello John
Have the catcher take a couple of steps toward the runner at third then throw the ball back to pitcher quickly once the runner turns back - this forces the runner to retreat to third base. In the mean time have second baseman move so she is about 10 feet away from second just behind the baseline (between second and first). If the runner continues to second the pitcher fires the ball to the second baseman in front of the runner when the runner is about 5-8 feet away from her. Second baseman tags the runner out plus is still in good position to throw home if runner on third attempts to run home.
Practice this at practice to get the timing right for the runner sprinting to second and the runner walking or trotting to second (to draw a throw). I've gotten several double plays like this. Once a team sees you can defend this they rarely try it again.
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