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Need DTS defensive technique

BS Brian Shanberg100+ posts
Need a little help here with Dropped Third Strike technique for defense.

In the youth league on 70 ft base paths, our right handed catcher does a great job of blocking and keeping the ball out in front of him on all pitches, but he seems to drop many pitches. We will work on his ability to catch the ball as the season progresses. That's a big concern, but something we can fix in the long run.

Here's where I need help. In a game yesterday, we were zero for 3 on getting the out on dropped third strike because the base runner is in the way, running to first, when the catcher gets ready to throw to 1st on DTS. He tried looping it over his head and ball went to Right field. He held the ball once because a runner on 3rd was threatening to come home. And the catcher stepped outside the basepath while the 1st baseman was inside the path on one attempt which made the ball hard to catch.

What is the proper technique here for the 1st baseman positioning and the catcher? One of our coaches told the catcher to yell, "inside or outside" to the first baseman to let him know where to setup. But, on a DTS, everyone in both dugouts is yelling like crazy and I noticed there's no way the 1st baseman will hear the audible from the catcher.

So, how do you defend a DTS? Oh yea, assume there's a runner on 3rd base when the DTW occurs.

Looking for suggestions on what the 1st baseman should do and what the catcher should do on a DTS.
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C Coachric1,000+ posts
I'd say to practice the communication during workouts. DTS near the catchers feet, he quickly comes to his feet, rakes the ball in, looks to 1st hollering "outside". Ball gets out toward batters box, catchers should move toward the ball, rake it in while continuing momentum onto infield grass hollering "inside". In both cases it should be practiced so that the catcher has a clear throwing lane where he can fire the ball. Remember that the 1B must also practice on setting up correctly, similar to a bunt situation, I prefer the 1B not to stretch with his throwing side foot, but get the inside throw with his glove side foot, and outside throw with his arm side foot. He can face directly at the catcher, in the event of a bad throw he can still jump or move side to side. By the way, very important, what age group?
WalawalaWalawala100+ posts
retrieve the ball, look the runner back to third. if he is too far off then the 3rd baseman should raise his arms signaling that the catcher should throw to third. Assuming the 3rd baseman does not raise his arm the catcher should take 2-3 strides towards the pitchers mound creating a "lane" to throw. The firstbaseman should be on the "inside" part of the base and the catcher needs to make a crisp throw to first so the guy on third doesnt score on the throw.
F futurecatcher271,000+ posts
The catcher needs to clear himself of the basepath on a Dropped third strike.If he blocks it and it rolls forward,he should yell something like "inside" to let the 1b know to set up inside.If he blocks it and its an easier throw to the outer half of the bag,the catcher should field the ball and yell "outside" to alert his 1b.If the runner is out of the basepath,the umpire will make the call
BS Brian Shanberg100+ posts
The age group is 11u. We are currently using the inside/outside audible to make the play. What I've observed is that the 1st baseman can't hear him. Several reasons, but the key one is that half the crowd of coaches, parents, and players and yelling, "RUNNNNNN!". The other half are yelling at the catcher to throw to first. I know its not hard to believe but the opposing team base coach was yelling "run" directly at my 1st baseman, knowing it would distract him. Part of the game I guess...

We will stick with this approach on this play for now, but I'm thinking the first baseman is going to need to start reacting inside or outside based on where the ball goes when it is first dropped by the catcher.

Do you recommend the first baseman leave the bag by a few steps to ensure they get a clean line of view to the thrown ball?

Maybe we just need more practice. Maybe we should focus on the root cause as to why the catcher is dropping the ball...
WalawalaWalawala100+ posts
the firstbaseman should be able to see which side of the bag the catcher intends to throw it without him saying anything.

Also, the firstbaseman can stay a step or two away from the bag to create more space for the catcher to throw to...then catch the ball...then step on the bag. YOu'll see plenty of big league teams use this technique.
Rob KremerRob Kremer1,000+ posts
Another idea with man on third:

If the ball stays close to the catcher and he has plenty of time to set up and throw to get the runnner, a savvy catcher can sometimes get the guy at third by appearing forget the runner on third and rush out, grab the ball, and fake the throw to first. If the runner on third comes on the fake, you have him. If not, there is still time to go to first.

Obviously, the catcher should only do this if he's got plenty of time to get the batter runner.
Last edited by Rob Kremer
redbird5redbird510,000+ posts
You should work on his recieving skills at every practice. Why wait until the season progresses?

One of the best drills is for him to get in his primary recieving stance without a glove (and in full gear). Have someone kneel about 8-10' away and softly toss balls at him in a moderate rapid fire. Start off with them right at his chest and then move the ball around the zone. We teach our kids to gently sway to the ball.

By doing it barehanded, he will be catching the ball in his web rather than the fingers.
Last edited by redbird5

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