Rundown between 3rd and Home with a runner on First Base

There really isn't anything wrong with what you're doing because if the 1B does get involved with the rundown then something went wrong. The best way to hold other runners during a rundown is get the out quickly. Have the (in this case) 3B and C cut the distance the runner has to operate, work on a communication system to deliver the ball / tag and then recover quickly to check other runners. If you can execute the rundown then you will either have the other runner dead to rights or he's going to be held.

But in this case your describing make sure to get the out at 3B even if you give up 2B. Reason is if you run him back and the guy gets 2B then the offense was successful. Not as much as they wanted but they moved up a runner, stay out of force situation and have an opportunity to score two runs on basehit.

A good drill you can use to help practice this (and I got it from a coach on here) is put a runner at each base (except home) and start at first base. Have a pitcher use a pick off move and the runner is off too far. Execute your rundown here and as soon as the out is made the runner on 2B takes off to 3B. Whoever made the tag has to now execute the next rundown. They can either run at him or throw in front of him. As soon as the out is made runner at 3B takes off and do same thing over. It's a great drill in terms of creating chaos and having your guys be able to handle it while making decisions.

But like I said the key to holding other runners is executing the rundown perfectly - close distance and one throw for a tag. The thing to a rundown is for the defense to be aggressive and attack the runners. Make them commit to a direction and then cut the distance they have to move.

Also, and you probably know this, make sure the defensive player who has the ball doesn't pump fake throws. He might fool the runner but I guarantee he's faking out his partner on the receiving end. When a pump fake happens the receiver now tightens his arm muscles and is on the defensive. Let the receiver make the call on when to get the ball. The guy who has the ball busts his rear to get the runner going to try and tag him but as soon as he hears "BALL" he throws to the receiver.

Thanks coach2709. We do teach our IF's to not pump fake. We also teach the fielder who is going to be receiving the ball to flash when he wants it, so he does not get handcuffed. I have executed something similar to what you were talking about as far as the rundown being executed and then the fielder has to turn and get the next out, but it was with the runner hung up between 1B and 2B. Appreciate it. I am one of those guys that goes over plays you may only see once every season or two, but it could cost you a game, so you have to be able to execute.

quote:

Originally posted by coach2709:

A good drill you can use to help practice this (and I got it from a coach on here) is put a runner at each base (except home) and start at first base. Have a pitcher use a pick off move and the runner is off too far. Execute your rundown here and as soon as the out is made the runner on 2B takes off to 3B. Whoever made the tag has to now execute the next rundown. They can either run at him or throw in front of him. As soon as the out is made runner at 3B takes off and do same thing over. It's a great drill in terms of creating chaos and having your guys be able to handle it while making decisions.

I really like this drill! I will incorporate this in our practice when we work on rundowns. I can see where it can cause some chaos. INF's have to remain focused and execute. Thanks coach.