RUNDOWNS: SNARING THE TRAPPED RUNNER (PART I)

To complement the total defensive package and to be truly solid defensively a team must have a well-organized RUNDOWN system to cope with the base runner trapped off base.

Being “trapped off base” occurs as a result of careless base running, a well executed pick off play, a runner intentionally being picked off base, or a base runner stopping between first and second bases and inviting the RUNDOWN situation.

The latter two examples are common to the first and third double steal situations when the offensive team hopes to score the runner from third base while the defense is preoccupied with the RUNDOWN between first and second bases.

Although most young baseball players have played “hot box” in the backyard, a coordinated defensive plan is still essential. RUNDOWN situations occur so often during the course of a season and successfully defending the first and third double steal is so dependent upon a teams' “RUNDOWN SKILLS,” a plan must be in place to cope with the trapped runner, thus stifling the opponent’s offense and adding another component to the defense’s total scheme.

REMEMBER: “A plan” is better than “No plan!”

RUNDOWN ABSOLUTES

1. Run Full Speed at the Trapped Runner:
   1. This forces the runner to commit himself.
   2. If the runner stands still, he will be tagged out.
   3. If the runner turns and runs full speed toward the next base, he can be thrown out.
   4. Running full speed at the runner enables the defense to set the tempo of the RUNDOWN.
   5. Tentative infielders allow the runner to set the tempo and then react to whatever the runner does. Resulting in numerous throws and a greater chance for error and the runner escaping the “pickle.”
   6. THINK: RUN RIGHT OVER HIM!
   7. Not running full speed at the runner is the number one cause of defensive mistakes! And, the runner escaping the RUNDOWN.
2. Hold the ball in a high throwing position with the arm cocked! No Fakes!
3. Make nice light “dart like” throws that are shoulder high.
4. Both the chaser and the receiver should be on the same side of the runner.
1. If you are the receiver, move to the chaser’s throwing hand side.
2. This will prevent throwing over or across the runner, which will prevent the runner from visually or physically blocking the flight of the ball.
5. Initial throws after the runner is picked off base by the pitcher should be to the “inside” of the base to which the runner is advancing.
1. When the pitcher picks a base runner off first base, second base, or third base and the runner breaks full speed for the next base, the fielder receiving the pick off throw from the pitcher should step to meet the ball and if right-handed make a “cross-back step” with his right foot.
2. The “cross-back step” clears the fielder of the runner and allows for an unobstructed open path for the throw to the base.
6. Once the chaser makes his throw, he should be alert to get out of the runners way. If the runner runs into the fielder without the ball (obstruction), he will be awarded the base to which he is advancing.
7. All RUNDOWNS away from home plate should be on the inside of the diamond.
8. All RUNDOWNS toward home plate should be toward the outside of the diamond with two exceptions:
1. Initial throw after a pick off by the pitcher at a base and the runner advances full speed toward the forward base.
2. If the first baseman is left-handed.
9. There are various rotation systems to assure that the chaser is able to get out of the trapped base runners way after he makes his throw and to make sure that all bases are covered.
10. One of the simplest methods teaches that after the chaser makes his throw:
1. If he is over halfway to the forward base, he continues on to that base rotating to the right side of the runner.
2. If he is less than halfway to the forward base, he should hold his ground or return to the back base.

THE DOUBLE ROTATION SYSTEM

PITCHER PICKS RUNNER OFF AT:

1. First Base — RUNDOWN ensues between first and second bases.
   1. Pitcher: Backs up to first base.
   2. First Baseman: Becomes the chaser or makes initial throw to inside of diamond to the shortstop if runner breaks “full speed.”
   3. Shortstop: Covers second base and prepares to receive the first baseman’s throw… infield side of second base if runner breaks full speed.
   4. Second Baseman: Covers first base. Assumes a position in front of the base (approximately 15 feet.)
   5. Centerfielder: Backs second base or left field side of base in a direct line with first base.
2. Second Base — RUNDOWN ensues between second and third bases.
   1. Pitcher: Backs up third base.
   2. Shortstop/Second Baseman: Receives pick off throw from the pitcher and becomes the chaser, or makes initial throw to the inside of diamond to third base if the runner breaks “full speed.”
   3. Third Baseman: Covers third base… sets up on inside of third base, if runner breaks “full speed,” to receive middle infielder’s throw.
3. Third Base — RUNDOWN ensues between third base and home plate.
   1. Pitcher: Backs up home plate.
   2. Catcher: Covers home plate prepares to receive third baseman’s throw… sets up in front of home plate, if runner breaks “full speed” to receive the third baseman’s throw.
   3. Third Baseman: Receives the pick off throw from the pitcher and becomes the chaser, or makes initial throw to the catcher on the inside of the diamond if the runner breaks “full speed” and makes a “cross-back step” into diamond to create an unobstructed throw to catcher should runner break “full speed.”
   4. Shortstop: Covers third base.
   5. First Baseman: Backs up home plate.
   6. Left Fielder: Backs up third base.

RECEIVER:

1. Get on the same side of the runner as the chaser.
2. Glove and throwing hand should be held shoulder high and in position to receive the ball.
3. It is the responsibility of the receiver to determine when the throw will be made.
4. Assume a position approximately five feet in front of the base and on the chasers throwing side.
5. Ask for the ball by simultaneous stepping aggressively forward and yelling “NOW!”
6. Ask for the ball when the runner is about thirty feet away and running full speed toward you… Ask for the ball too soon rather than too late!
7. By the time the runner stops and changes directions, the receiver will be running full speed at him and should be able to easily tag the runner out.
8. The possibility of physical contact exists in most RUNDOWN situations.
   1. To protect against a contact play, the ball should be firmly held in the throwing hand and then placed in the glove.
   2. In the event contact is such that the fielder’s hands are split, the ball WILL NOT BE DROPPED and the runner will be out.
   3. Tag the runner with the back of the glove and protect the baseball… catcher’s pay attention.
   4. Tag the runner with the ball held in your bare hand if you are able to over take the base runner and no contact is involved.

DETERMINING WHEN TO CALL FOR THE BALL:

1. Place pylons, ball bags or some other markers between the bases thirty feet apart to act as reference points:
   
2. Do not run the base runner past the last marker!
3. Ask for the ball when runner reaches the marker closest to the base (“NOW PLAY!”) to which the runner is advancing.
4. Markers will give the chasers a mental picture of when the ball should be thrown.
5. Markers will help the receives recognize at what distance they must ask for the ball.

Good Luck!

Next month see PART II - RUNDOWN DRILLS
Also, see DOUBLE STEAL DEFENSES, JUGS Newsletter #5.