Okay, you have runners on 1st and 3rd, less than two outs, what defenses do you use??
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Depends on the circumstances---early in the game give the run and go for the out or DP
Late in the game it agains on the circumstances--can get the outs and still come back with runs if you don't
Best defense---dont get in the first and third situation
Late in the game it agains on the circumstances--can get the outs and still come back with runs if you don't
Best defense---dont get in the first and third situation
TRHit is right the circumstances dictate what you do but the second best defense (other than don't get into a 1st & 3rd situation - i'm going to steal that by the way) is be prepared for all situations.
Early in the game
1. Look to turn two on most groundballs
2. Throw through on steals
3. Use your courtesy pickoff moves to 1st and the 3rd / 1st pick
Middle of the game - tie or up in the game
1. Look to turn two on most groundballs
2. Throw through on steals
3. Use your better (maybe even best) pickoff moves to 1st and the 3rd / 1st pick
Middle of the game - down
1. Play the IF a little closer (not all the way up) and hard hit balls quick check to see if nail runner going home - if he stays try to get the force at second and probably be in the 1st / 3rd situation. If quick runner on 1st go across the IF and get force there - now 2nd and 3rd but at least not gave up run
2. On a steal you can run what we call the flash play. SS covers the bag on throw from catcher while the 2B sprints toward the area between the mound and 2B bag. The 2B keeps both the runner and ball in his sight. If runner on 3B breaks or is off to far the 2B cuts the throw and we go get him (throw or rundown) but if he stays or is very close the throw goes through to 2B.
3. HAVE to use your best pickoff moves - may get lucky
On a leave early play - runner on 1B takes off for second when pitcher comes set - we do this no matter what the score is. Our 1B (and hopefully everyone) yells "Step Off" and the pitcher steps off. The P gets the ball out and up and checks the runner at 3B. If he is too far off the bag or committed to running we go after him. If he is not going or hanging around the bag the P turns clockwise to the 2B and gives him the ball quickly. The 2B gets into the baseline comparatively to the runner coming from 1B - if he is coming hard he is closer to 2B but if he is jogging or walking then the 2B will be farther away from the bag. Once the 2B gets the ball his focus is entirely on the rundown. If the runner on 3B goes then our 3B yells "going" and now our 2B makes a decision - stay with the rundown or go home. I tell them to make sure of an out and not do too much. If we have an out with a rundown then get it.
Just be prepared and that will be your best defense.
Early in the game
1. Look to turn two on most groundballs
2. Throw through on steals
3. Use your courtesy pickoff moves to 1st and the 3rd / 1st pick
Middle of the game - tie or up in the game
1. Look to turn two on most groundballs
2. Throw through on steals
3. Use your better (maybe even best) pickoff moves to 1st and the 3rd / 1st pick
Middle of the game - down
1. Play the IF a little closer (not all the way up) and hard hit balls quick check to see if nail runner going home - if he stays try to get the force at second and probably be in the 1st / 3rd situation. If quick runner on 1st go across the IF and get force there - now 2nd and 3rd but at least not gave up run
2. On a steal you can run what we call the flash play. SS covers the bag on throw from catcher while the 2B sprints toward the area between the mound and 2B bag. The 2B keeps both the runner and ball in his sight. If runner on 3B breaks or is off to far the 2B cuts the throw and we go get him (throw or rundown) but if he stays or is very close the throw goes through to 2B.
3. HAVE to use your best pickoff moves - may get lucky
On a leave early play - runner on 1B takes off for second when pitcher comes set - we do this no matter what the score is. Our 1B (and hopefully everyone) yells "Step Off" and the pitcher steps off. The P gets the ball out and up and checks the runner at 3B. If he is too far off the bag or committed to running we go after him. If he is not going or hanging around the bag the P turns clockwise to the 2B and gives him the ball quickly. The 2B gets into the baseline comparatively to the runner coming from 1B - if he is coming hard he is closer to 2B but if he is jogging or walking then the 2B will be farther away from the bag. Once the 2B gets the ball his focus is entirely on the rundown. If the runner on 3B goes then our 3B yells "going" and now our 2B makes a decision - stay with the rundown or go home. I tell them to make sure of an out and not do too much. If we have an out with a rundown then get it.
Just be prepared and that will be your best defense.
We use three plays. Safe play. Throw back to pitcher. On this play the pitcher ducks down and the catcher pops up like he is going to throw out the runner at second base. SS breaks to second base 2b breaks to back up ss. 3b breaks in behind the runner at 3b and the pitcher cuts the throw and looks to 3b to nail the runner if he takes the bait. Second play is throw through to 2b. Pitcher fakes a cut of the throw to second base in order to freeze the runner at 3b. Throw to 2b to get the out. Third play catcher pump fakes the throw to 2b pitcher ducks down like the throw is going to 2b and then the catcher throws to third to nail the runner. We practice 1 and 3rds at least 15 minutes each practice and use our baserunners working on first and third offense at the same time. On the early steal we have the pitcher fake a throw to the 2b who comes in on the skin to shorten the throw. Then the pitcher looks to third to see if the runner has taken the bait. If the runner continues towards 2b we get the out and throw home if the runner breaks home. You have to practice these situations in order to be good at it. It also helps to have a strong arm and good decision maker behind the plate. Like TR said the play is put on is dictated by the score the speed of the runners the strength of your arms etc etc.
