Base Running
You are on 2nd base. There are no outs. The batter hits a ground ball to shortstop. What should you do first?
Answer: Freeze for a second, read the ball, and only run if it gets past the shortstop.
There is a runner on 1st. The ball is hit to the second baseman. Where is the easiest force-out?
Answer: Throw to 2nd base.
The ball is hit deep to left field with a runner on 1st. Why do we need a cutoff player?
Answer: To keep the throw under control and stop runners from taking extra bases.
A pop-up is hit between shortstop and left field. What needs to happen?
Answer: Someone needs to call “Mine!” loud and clear.
Runner on 1st, no outs. A ground ball is hit to shortstop. What double play might the defense try?
Answer: Shortstop to second base to first base, also called 6-4-3.
You are on 3rd base with fewer than 2 outs. The batter hits a fly ball to the outfield. What should you do?
Answer: Go back to the base, tag up, and run home after the ball is caught if your coach sends you.
There is a runner on 3rd with fewer than 2 outs. A ground ball is hit to you at shortstop. What should you think about first?
Answer: Can I stop the runner from scoring at home?
A runner is trying to score from 2nd base on a hit to the outfield. Where should the outfielder throw the ball?
Answer: Through the cutoff to home.
Why do players need to talk on defense?
Answer: To avoid confusion, avoid collisions, and know where the play is.
Runner on 3rd, 1 out. The batter hits a fly ball to shallow right field. The runner tags up. What should the defense do?
Answer: Make a strong throw toward home through the cutoff.
You are on 1st base. The batter hits a ground ball to the left side of the infield. What should you do?
Answer: Run hard to 2nd because you are forced to run.
There is a runner on 2nd with no outs. The batter bunts toward the first-base side. Where should the defense try to get an out?
Answer: Try for the runner going to 3rd if it is realistic. If not, get the sure out at 1st.
Who yells whether to cut the ball or let it go through?
Answer: The player lined up as the cutoff, with help from the catcher or infield.
What should the catcher say before each pitch?
Answer: The number of outs, where the runners are, and where the play could be.
Bases loaded, no outs. A hard ground ball is hit back to the pitcher. Where is the safest force-out?
Answer: Home plate.
You are on 2nd base. The batter hits the ball to the outfield in front of you. What should you look for?
Answer: Look at your 3rd base coach, watch the ball, and be ready to go home if your coach sends you.
Bases are loaded with 1 out. The ball is hit to third base. What is the best play?
Answer: Throw home for the force-out. Then be ready for another out if there is time.
Runner on 1st. The ball is hit all the way to the fence. What is the defense trying to stop?
Answer: Stop the runner from scoring and keep the batter from taking extra bases.
Your teammate makes a mistake. What should you do?
Answer: Encourage them and move on to the next play.
Runner on 2nd, 2 outs. The batter hits a single to center field. Why should the runner run hard right away?
Answer: With 2 outs, runners go on contact.
The bases are loaded with 2 outs. The batter hits a ground ball. What should every runner do?
Answer: Run right away because everyone is forced to the next base.
Tie game, last inning. Runner on 3rd, 1 out. A hard ground ball is hit to you in the infield. What is your job?
Answer: Stop the runner from scoring if you can. If there is no play at home, get the sure out.
The ball goes over an outfielder’s head. What should the rest of the defense NOT do?
Answer: Do not stand and watch. Get into cutoff, relay, and backup spots.
Why is talking on the field a softball skill?
Answer: Because good communication helps the whole team make better plays.
(Daily Double) Tie game, bottom of the last inning. Runner on 3rd, 1 out. Ground ball to second base. The runner goes home. What does the second baseman need to decide fast?
Answer: Is there a real chance to get the runner at home? If not, get the sure out at 1st and do not throw the ball away.