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Reply to "Holding runner on 2nd"

Holding runners at 2nd base is a part of the game that is very seldom taught and at the same time is a part of the game that must be developed and comes easier to both middle infielder and pitcher with age.

First: Understand that holding runners at any base is not just keeping a runner close to the bag. It is ultimately preventing a runner from getting a good jump so that your catcher has chance to throw him out......The pitcher has huge responsability here.......Remember I am talking about holding a runner NOT PUTTING ON A PICK OFF PLAY......

Second: When holding runners at second you must first determine who is going to hold him? or are you going to hold him at all?....

IF you are going to hold him you can do the thinking for your players as you can simply point at the middle infielder you wish to hold him.....the other middle infielder will simply play his position......

This makes if very clear who is holding the runner and makes it very easy for the pitcher to understand who he is working with so to speak...

PLEASE NOTE:::: you do not simply select the off middle infielder to hold the runner....depends on the hitter and situation...for example you do not want the second baseman holding with no outs and a man on second only.....for the obvious reason.....In most cases the hitter is trying to hit the ball to the right side of the infield...not always but more often than not.....must post ....will add more....

OK here we go....

Understand the best situation to run (steal second) w/ runner at second only.......

**1 out...(Runner doesn't want to make the first or third out at third)
**Right handed hitter at the plate....
**Runner at second can run....
**Score not lop-sided....

Worth noting....If you do not pay any attention to the runner at all when there are zero or two outs then you run the risk of the opposing team attempting to steal...If you give it to them they will take it, as the wild pitch / passed ball come into play far more at lower levels than at higher levels.....

Let's assume that it is a good situation to run and that your SS is holding the runner, for arguements sake.

You must predetermine how much of a lead you are willing to allow the opponent to get and relay or work w/ your players in practice what this distance is.......is it 12ft?...13ft?...etc...

Your SS should start at that point and stay there while the pitcher is coming set....

NOTE: The pitcher should come up looking at Second.......

As the pitcher comes set the SS should be just on the right shoulder of the runner....he may be 3ft from runner or to preference.....what you want to avoid is the SS running in and out while the pitcher is set....it becomes very confusing to the pitcher when this happens....

While the SS is holding (just off of the right shoulder of the runner) and the runner attempts to increase his lead the SS will run a day light to second. If the runner is stopped then the SS will retreat and the pitcher must pitch at that point.....

Remember you want to try to leave the runner at a distance from second that it will make it difficult for him to steal third provided you get the ball to the plate in a timely manner that the catcher makes a good throw that the third-baseman can handle....

I will stop here, as it is very difficult to explain without visuals....

How about DO's:

DO: Know the situation
*outs
*runner
*score
*who is holding runner (one guy, not two)
*Who ever is holding should start on the runner or if it is the 2B he should start close (approx 12 ft from second base)
*Pitcher comes up looking at second base
*Make runner stop or be moving back to second before the pitcher kicks to pitch.
*Make sure that middle infielder who is holding is moving back to position before pitcher kicks to pitch.
*practice it live

I'll stop now ....my fingers are tired....
Last edited by LOW337
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