Rundowns

we work on rundowns in practice with our pitchers working on picks.( exception 3rd to home - we work on pitchout on squeeze attempt - we've gotten out of more defensive jams by people trying to squeeze on us than i can count) we stay on the grass side of the infield instead of outfield side if possible. we replace ourselves instead of following throw.
same keys - limit throws and dont deke ourselves with fake throws.
we dont run toward the next base - we throw immediately. we run toward base they came from.

Larry,

If it works for you...great.

I teach it differently:

1. Create a throwing lane immediately...in case the runner takes off full speed to 2B.

2. 1B to catch, get the ball out of his glove immediately and get the runner running full speed toward 2B.

3. I like my fielders to be inside the baseline (toward homeplate, vice OF) when receiving throws. This allows for a simple catch and gloveside tag.

4. SS/2B to call for ball when they feel the have the proper cushion to catch the ball and tag the runner. Usually, this cushion is 10-15 feet. If the runner is going full speed, he cannot stop, turn and outrun any of my fielders.

5. All tags to be done firmly, as low as possible and with 2 hands (ball in hand, hand in glove).

I don't really care about running him back to a certain base (unless it is home). FWIW, my 12U team has been doing it this way since they were 8U and have botched only 1 rundown.

I agree with Redbird on all but one item. I want an immediate throw ahead of the runner to get him running back. That way a missed tag or bad throw will not allow the runner to advance.

Preferably, after the initial throw (if required) to get the runner going back, there will only be one throw made.

Good summary, Redbird.

There is one key and one key only.

You have to make the runner run full speed as redbird mentioned.

You do that by running full speed at him. When he's full speed this is a simple play.

When he's not full speed this is a difficult play.

We step to our throwing side as opposed to just infield or outfield side otherwise we do basically the same stuff. We do tell our fielder, on the bag toward which the runner is going, to walk toward the runner and close the gap.

Good points all around.
I have some things to add though. Please tell me what you think.
Rundown keys are to make the runner panic and have to turn his head or else get caught by the person chasing him. just as linear and redbird say. and to have a CONSISTENT throwing lane.

Usually in a rundown, things are moving fast and everyone is a little overwhelmed at first. so having a throwing lane that stays the same and doesn't change with each thrower is important (IMO). I think its best to have it on the IF side of the base because of two reasons the easiest and most natural way for the 1B to get the ball from the pitcher is to move towards it and create momentum as opposed to going OF side. and also, if there is a runner on 3rd your throw is now 4 feet shorter.

I will try and explain the play we use hen a run down occurs beteen 1st and 2nd on a pick off

1. Runner is picked off! At this point one of to things could happen, (I)early break and he starts digging hard for second, OR (II)he is fooled and starts back to the base then realises he dead. and starts to jog to second to avoid a quick tag.
when (I) happens
there must be a quick throw to the ss from the 1b. he should step intowards the the ball cutting off time of travel, then a quick shuffle to get his feet underneath him and deliver a striong throw to the ss. the tag should be put on immediately or the ss will realise that the runner will not be there soon enough and catches the ball on the run and will easily catch the runner gettin an out wiht only 1 throw.
(II) second baseman reads play and runs almost directly in, putting him 30-35 feet from 2nd. the 1B can deliver a quick thro to the 2 bag to get him immediately or wait and establish the rundown with the ss with the 2nd baseman falling in behind him to cover 1st base area if there is not a 1 thro out (THERRE SHOULD BE).

This needs to be practiced a lot! it also is good to get the ball out of 1B hands asap when there is a runner on 3rd. the play of gettin it to 2nd base will make that easier.

Good luck with season that are fast approaching.

I'm down with RedDog on rundown technique. I empasize a quick out with 1 throw or less. If you insist on running BR back to base of orgin you are vulnerable to allowing lead runner to advance/score.

Here is the advice I always gave to my son.

Once the guy is running to the "back" base - run him down like he is a wounded gazelle.

Agree will all of you on most of this.
We tell the player rec. the ball to get on the side of the throwing arm of the player with the ball. Get him running.