What is the proper way to run down a runner?

Question

When a pithcer throws to first and has the runner in a pickle what is the proper positioning of the infielders.
This happens a lot on our team because our ptcher has a good move to first but then our players get confused as to where to be and throw.Links if possible

Answer 1

If the pitcher catches the baserunner on first off-guard, the first baseman will most likely chase the runner toward second base where the shortstop should be. When that happens, the second baseman should run to cover first base and the third baseman should backup the shortstop, that is, if the runner tries to return to first. Depending on how many runners are on base, the catcher should backup first base to catch any errant throws. If there is a free baserunner on third, the catcher should stay put and the right-fielder should back up first base because if the catcher leaves home during the rundown, that means the runner would be able to score without a play. Also in this case, the pitcher should cover third base because the third baseman would be covering second base; this is to keep any baserunner on third base from attempting to score - either the pitcher or catcher could then alert the other infielders to any scoring attempt so they can react accordingly.

The outfielders have a job in the rundown as well. The left fielder backs up rundowns between third and home as well as between second and first to catch any errant throws. The right fielder and center fielder back up rundowns between second and third.

Answer 2

On a play where the runner is picked off, first baseman should take a good step towards the mound (for a clear throwing lane), make sure the runner is committed to going to second, then deliver a good throw to whoever is at second base. Either the runner will be tagged, or the fielder will run the runner all the way back to first and deliver a good throw to the first baseman for tag at the base. Pitcher should back up first base in case of miscue, and the other middle infielder should be on second in case the runner is able to reverse direction. The best rundown plays are the ones with the fewest throws and the out recorded going back to the base the runner overran.

Answer 3

The first baseman should obviously chase the runner to second. The pitcher should replace the first baseman. The second baseman should be on second awaiting a throw from the first baseman. I was always taught to chase the runner with the ball in the air and make no more than one pump fake because multiple pump fakes may also confuse your second baseman. The second baseman should call for the ball when he feels that the runner is close enough to him that the runner cannot make it to second base and can also not make it back to first without being tagged. In the case the runner is not tagged the second baseman should chase him back to first repeating the same process the first baseman just did. The first baseman replaces the second baseman at second. If the second baseman throws the ball to the pitcher at first he takes the pitchers place at first, and the sequence continues. I was always taught to tag the runner with the ball in hand so there is not a chance it can fall out of your glove. (sorry for the lengthy response but that is it step by step).

Answer 4

The SS covers 2nd, as the 2b charges into the baseline, when the 2b believes he is in good chance of applying the tag, he should flash his glove so that the 1b knows he wants the ball, this eliminates all guesswork, no pump fakes are necessary, fewest throws possible, the fielder next in line to have the ball should slowly gain ground on the runner until flashing his glove , safe or out at the base he was at is ideal

Answer 5

Pitcher should run to cover first while the first baseman pursues the runner. Then Shortstop should cover 2nd while 2nd baseman pursues runner. It's an ongoing cycle. Always be sure pitcher covers first though. Always!

Answer 6

Well always run him back to first (or the base he came from) and show your teammate your going to throw the ball to. Show him the ball by holding it by your ear. NEVER pump fake like your going to throw the ball. When your teamate says "ball!" or anything else to communicate throw it to him. Now after you throw the ball to your teamate run to where you just threw the ball to. So if your playing first show the shortstop or second baseman(whoevers there) the ball by your ear than when they say ball throw it to them and run in their position where they just caught the ball.