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Rundowns

goMOgoMO100+ posts
Could you please list the 3-4 most important aspects of dealing with rundowns? Things like closing in on the runner, not pump-faking, etc.

Also, from an offensive perspective, if you get caught in a pickle, are there any things you can do (ala Reggie Jackson!!)
_________________________ I'm feeling pretty good - we've got it narrowed down to only about 1 colleges now!!!
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T T-Ball100+ posts
Defensive side: For starters...there is much more to consider than just this.
Make sure you get the runner turned completely and running back to the bag. Minimize throws, don't throw to early. Follow your throw to the bag (proper route). Don't throw over the runner. Lastly if all you do is run him back to where he came from you've done it right. Smile
redbird5redbird510,000+ posts
Rundowns are very easy if you follow these rules:

1. Create a throwing lane (if you cannot see the glove of the receiver, get where you can).

2. Get the ball out of your glove quickly and carry it up like you are throwing a dart.

3. Get the runner going full speed.

4. Call for the ball early enough to catch and apply a tag.

5. Hand on ball, ball in glove when you tag.

6. Make sure the runner knows he has been tagged by tagging firmly at the waist.

In the last 2+ years, my 11U team has not had a rundown go more than 3 throws by following these rules.

Offensively, look to run into a fielder. most teams are poorly coached in rundowns and just hang out after throwing the ball.
Last edited by redbird5
goMOgoMO100+ posts
well, we practiced this last night. This was the first time we did it with the receiver dictating when the throw would be made.
Boy we stunk at it....
throws were either too early or too late. many throws over the runner's head instead of on the side.
we've never had problems with rundowns before, even with the "pumping" and thrower deciding when to throw.

oh well, I'd rather have them do it right and take some time to get it right, which is obviously the case.

back to the woodshed...
F Flintoide100+ posts
Some additional thoughts on rundowns: the reciever should come to meet the throw as opposed to waiting at the sack, no throws or 1 throw max., quick out to minimize other runners advancing, understand situation such as tying or winning run on 3rd, and other defenders inc OF hustle to backup or participate in rundown if nescessary.
redbird5redbird510,000+ posts
goMo,

It will take a few practices to get it right. Make sure your guys get the runner going at full speed. Then, a simple "Ball" call by the receiver. Keep in mind, he should allow time to recieve the throw, catch and then run down the runner. Timing will be a problem for a short time.

Try walking through it first.

Also, when your receiver calls for the ball, he should come to get the throw (have forward momentum towards the ball). This will shorten the rundown.
Last edited by redbird5
H hsballcoach100+ posts
Teacherman quote:
Originally posted by redbird5:

"..3. Get the runner going full speed..."

"This is the most overlooked fundamental of the run down, imho.

You see everyone doing or thinking the right things but they don't do this. Until the runner is at full speed it's still a 50/50 proposition."

So true Teacherman. Get this part down and everything else becomes easy.
goMOgoMO100+ posts
At this point, I'm kinda mixed in my feelings about who should call the throw. We've always done it where the guy with the ball decides. But after reading Polk's playbook, and reading what you guys say here, it seems that the common wisdom is the receiver calls for the ball.
I do certainly agree with no pump-faking, showing the ball, making the runner go full-speed.
What is the advantage of having the receiver call for it?
T Teacherman500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by redbird5:
The receiver has a better read on the distance.
The receiver won't be surprised.
The receiver can begin to close the gap as soon as he calls ball.


#1: Very minimal if any better read.

#2: If he's expecting a throw how can he be surprised.

#3: Ridiculous. Try closing the gap and not getting the ball, or the ball is late, or not on line....

OVER COACHING AT IT'S WORST.
Last edited by Teacherman
H hsballcoach100+ posts
I have always taught the receiver to call "ball" we routinely execute this play without difficulty. I understand your view Teacherman but see a number of benefits from having the receiver make the call.
1. The receiver can anticipate the throw and begin to set into position to make thetag or to attack the ball.
2. The receiver does not have to be concerned with attemping to move ouit of the base line if the thrower does get the ball to him in time.
3. Timing involving a play toward you is much easier to determine than a play moving away from you.
4. There is no guess-work involved. The play is simple: "ball" is called ...ball is thrown. There should be no trying to figure out when the player will throw the ball.
T Teacherman500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by hsballcoach:
I have always taught the receiver to call "ball" we routinely execute this play without difficulty. I understand your view Teacherman but see a number of benefits from having the receiver make the call.
1. The receiver can anticipate the throw and begin to set into position to make thetag or to attack the ball.
2. The receiver does not have to be concerned with attemping to move ouit of the base line if the thrower does get the ball to him in time.
3. Timing involving a play toward you is much easier to determine than a play moving away from you.
4. There is no guess-work involved. The play is simple: "ball" is called ...ball is thrown. There should be no trying to figure out when the player will throw the ball.


Wrong on every point.

Your way assumes the ball will be delivered when called.

The receiver should set up so when and if the ball is delivered he can make the out. Putting other responsiblity on him is a blue print for disaster.

The man with the ball is the only one who knows if he can run him down without a throw. I want that option first. Then, with the runner running full speed, he can run him down or force him to the base and make the throw if necessary.

Putting someone without the ball in charge is a major mistake.
Last edited by Teacherman
goMOgoMO100+ posts
We've always done it where the guy with the ball makes the call, and we have rarely, if at all, screwed it up. Then again, we're young (14U this year).

It was just while reading Polk, whose opinions I respect, that I realized that he (and many others) did it the other way.

I don't want to change just because Polk says to do it this way, but I also don't want to keep things status quo just because that's the way we've done it in the past.

There are enough little things to do that we never focused on previously (like being a step on the side of the runner to not throw through him, making the runner go full-speed, no pump-faking) that I think we'll work on those things this year and keep the decision with the man who has the ball. I'll let you know how it goes...

Thanks!!
H hsballcoach100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by hsballcoach:
I have always taught the receiver to call "ball" we routinely execute this play without difficulty. I understand your view Teacherman but see a number of benefits from having the receiver make the call.
1. The receiver can anticipate the throw and begin to set into position to make thetag or to attack the ball.
2. The receiver does not have to be concerned with attemping to move ouit of the base line if the thrower does get the ball to him in time.
3. Timing involving a play toward you is much easier to determine than a play moving away from you.
4. There is no guess-work involved. The play is simple: "ball" is called ...ball is thrown. There should be no trying to figure out when the player will throw the ball.

Teacherman you said:
Wrong on every point.


No Teacherman not really. There are two simple ways to accomplish the same thing. I have used both systems with success. I just found that that having the receiver call for the ball has proven more effective for MY TEAMS. What really matters is that either way will work just fine GOMO; it is simply a matter of teaching it in a consistent manner that the kids understand. Simply a preference for the coach. As Will put it so perfectly, it is not brain surgery, simply a run-down!

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