Base Running
Runner on 2nd, no outs. The ball is hit on the ground to shortstop. What’s your first responsibility as the runner?
Answer: Freeze briefly, read the ball, then advance if it gets through.
Runner on 1st, ground ball to second baseman. What’s the easiest out?
Answer: Force at 2nd.
Ball hit to deep left field with a runner on 1st. Why is the cutoff important?
Answer: Keeps the throw under control and prevents extra bases.
Who has priority on a pop-up between the shortstop and left fielder?
Answer: Whoever calls it loudly and clearly.
Runner on 1st, no outs. Ground ball to shortstop. What double play are you trying to start? Bonus 100 if you can name the field position #
Answer: Shortstop, 2nd, 1st. Field positions # 6-4-3.
Runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs. Fly ball to the outfield. What should you do?
Answer: Tag up and run once the ball is caught.
Runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs. Ground ball hit to you at shortstop. What’s the first thing you should consider?
Answer: Can we get the runner to come to the home?
Runner trying for home from 2nd. Where should the outfielder throw?
Answer: Through the cutoff to home.
Why do infielders communicate on every play?
Answer: Prevent collisions and confusion.
Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Fly ball to shallow right field. Runner tags. What should the defense do?
Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Fly ball to shallow right field. Runner tags. What should the defense do?
Runner on 1st. Ground ball hit to the left side. What should the runner do?
Answer: Run hard and be prepared to slide or advance if the ball gets through.
Runner on 2nd, no outs. Bunt toward first base side. Where should the defense try to get the out?
Answer: Usually at the 3rd if possible, otherwise take the sure out at the 1st.
Who decides whether the relay throw continues or gets cut off?
Answer: The cutoff player.
What should a catcher be doing before every pitch?
Answer: Reminding the defense of outs, runners, and possible plays.
Bases loaded, no outs. Sharp ground ball to the pitcher. What’s the safest out?
Answer: Home plate force.
Runner on 2nd. Ball is hit in front of you to the outfield. What should you be looking for?
Answer: Coach’s signals, outfielder’s arm strength, and whether you can advance to home.
Bases loaded, 1 out. Ground ball to third base. What is the ideal play?
Answer: Home for the force, then look for a double play if possible.
Runner on 1st. Ball to the fence. What’s the defense’s goal?
Answer: Keep the runner from scoring or reaching 3rd unnecessarily.
A teammate misses a play. What should you do?
Answer: Encourage them and focus on the next play.
Runner on 2nd, 2 outs. Single to center field. Why does the runner score aggressively?
Answer: Two outs mean contact and go.
Bases loaded, 2 outs. Ball is hit on the ground.
Answer: Everyone runs immediately because the force is on.
Tie game, last inning. Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Ground ball hit sharply to you in the infield.
Answer: Keep the runner from scoring if possible; take the sure out if the play at home isn’t there.
Ball over outfielder’s head. What’s the biggest defensive mistake?
Answer: Everyone watching the ball instead of getting into backup and relay positions.
Why is communication considered a softball skill?
Answer: It prevents mistakes and helps the defense work as one unit.
(Daily Double) Tie game. Bottom of the last inning. Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Ground ball hit to second base. The runner breaks for home. What should the second baseman decide immediately?
Whether there is a realistic play at home. If not, take the guaranteed out at first and avoid throwing the ball away.