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Reply to "Holding runner on 2nd"

Just to add another idea, here is what we do (stolen from a coach I respect, of course). We hold runners on at 2nd with the "weak-side" infielder in a position we refer to as "one and seven". For instance the SS holds the runner on with a left-handed hitter & vice-versa. The infielders positioning is based off of our double play positioning which is 7x7. In other words, we take 7 paces down the line and 7 paces depth. When holding the runner at 2nd the positioning changes to 1x7, or one step down the line and seven steps of depth.
R2 will become confortable without the "jockeying" and will extend the lead, which is what we are waiting for. We feel we can pick off anyone who takes what we refer as a 7 step lead at 2nd, and we will. If a pick-off is not on, the middle infielder will take two quick shuffles back to the 7x7 position and will "de-cleat" just as if he has creeped into the ready position. One benefit is the strong side infield can play the hitter anyway that is necessary (like to pull) without problems of being caught up to close to the bag while faking breaks to hold the runner.
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