I'm coaching 12-13 y/o's. I need to know when to hold runners on and when not to. Please help me or direct me to a book or some other resource for answers to questions like this.
Thanks
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If you mean hold runners on at 1B…
This is typically the only base you will hold runners.
Usually the situation will tell you when to hold runners at 1B.
When there are runners at 1B and 2B or bases loaded you will not hold the runner at 1B.
There are times with 2 outs and a left handed hitter you might play behind the runner. This usually happens with a full count.
Other than that… For the most part you will always hold the runner at 1B when there is no runner at 2B
There are times in the last inning when if ahead by more than 1 run you might play behind the runner rather than hold him… especially with two outs.
Holding a runner at 3B or 2B using the fielder at the bag… looks stupid, but I have seen it done.
Now if you’re talking about holding a runner rounding 3B, the general rule is that you only take chances with 2 outs. The score also dictates sending or holding a runner. Example… Your team is down 2 or more in the last inning… The one run means nothing… Do not take any chances!
Don’t make the first out of an inning at 3B or at home plate.
Could go on with more, but not exactly sure what you are asking about.
I suggest you buy Ron Polk’s Playbook. It will help you a lot.
This is typically the only base you will hold runners.
Usually the situation will tell you when to hold runners at 1B.
When there are runners at 1B and 2B or bases loaded you will not hold the runner at 1B.
There are times with 2 outs and a left handed hitter you might play behind the runner. This usually happens with a full count.
Other than that… For the most part you will always hold the runner at 1B when there is no runner at 2B
There are times in the last inning when if ahead by more than 1 run you might play behind the runner rather than hold him… especially with two outs.
Holding a runner at 3B or 2B using the fielder at the bag… looks stupid, but I have seen it done.
Now if you’re talking about holding a runner rounding 3B, the general rule is that you only take chances with 2 outs. The score also dictates sending or holding a runner. Example… Your team is down 2 or more in the last inning… The one run means nothing… Do not take any chances!
Don’t make the first out of an inning at 3B or at home plate.
Could go on with more, but not exactly sure what you are asking about.
I suggest you buy Ron Polk’s Playbook. It will help you a lot.
Short, simple version:
You hold the runner on first when he's the only runner and when there's first and third. You don't hold runners on second and third. When the runner on second is the lead runner you can shuffle your second baseman and shortstop around to keep the runner from getting too big of a lead. However, they need to get back to a fielding position. If you need to keep the runner on third from getting a big lead on the possibility of a squeeze play, the third baseman may position himself closer to the base.
You hold the runner on first when he's the only runner and when there's first and third. You don't hold runners on second and third. When the runner on second is the lead runner you can shuffle your second baseman and shortstop around to keep the runner from getting too big of a lead. However, they need to get back to a fielding position. If you need to keep the runner on third from getting a big lead on the possibility of a squeeze play, the third baseman may position himself closer to the base.
So does the pitcher go from the stretch whenever there is any runner on any base or what ?
rd,
Not always with a runner on 3B. Runners at 2B and 3B or bases loaded.
I highly recommend that you find Ron Polk's Baseball Playbook and purchase it. You will be glad you did.
Maybe someone else here can tell you how to get it.
Not always with a runner on 3B. Runners at 2B and 3B or bases loaded.
I highly recommend that you find Ron Polk's Baseball Playbook and purchase it. You will be glad you did.
Maybe someone else here can tell you how to get it.
quote:Ron Polk's Baseball Playbook
It looks like Amazon doesn't have it in stock new, but offers some from "other sellers":
http://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Playbook-Ron-Polk/dp/9995393980
Or you can read more and order it right from the book's website:
http://www.baseballplaybook.com/
Julie
can you get that book in a bookstore ? I need it now !
One of the best online resources I have found for baseball coaching is:
www.webball.com
They should have some stuff on holding runners that you can use.
www.webball.com
They should have some stuff on holding runners that you can use.
PG
Great recommendation regarding Coack Polk's book--it is one of the best if not the best from one oof the great baseball minds in the game
Great recommendation regarding Coack Polk's book--it is one of the best if not the best from one oof the great baseball minds in the game
Pitchers should concentrate holding runners by varying their looks, not being predictable and having a reasonably quick delivery to the plate. Pick throws should be rare.
A pitcher who varies his look & is reasonably quick to the plate, combined with a decent catcher, will do fine on holding runners.
A pitcher who varies his look & is reasonably quick to the plate, combined with a decent catcher, will do fine on holding runners.