Base-runners --- running to midway to get the catcher to throw

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Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
I'm leaving too many runners on base!

One thing I think I could use more often against the more average teams is to have a called play where my runner(s) bolt off the bag to half-way to the next base to get the catcher to throw the ball to stir the pot a little to possibly give us a few more opportunities to advance.

I guess when you try this, the runners bolt to half way to the next base. If the catcher throws to the lead base, the runner simply runs back from whence she came but watches for an error in the throw. M

My point is.... The more we can get the defense to throw the ball around, the more likely it is that we have opportunities to advance. I was just wondering who else out there has had success with this.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
14U or 16U, right? Against a team susceptible to what you propose, IMO there are far better options (with greater chances of success) that will aid player development and be useful to them in the future/at the next level - Bunt and run. Fake bunt and steal. Hit and run. Fake bunt, slap/hit and run. Straight steal. Delayed steal. Safety squeeze. Suicide squeeze. Go on downward contact (non force) etc.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
14U or 16U, right? Against a team susceptible to what you propose, IMO there are far better options (with greater chances of success) that will aid player development and be useful to them in the future/at the next level - Bunt and run. Fake bunt and steal. Hit and run. Fake bunt, slap/hit and run. Straight steal. Delayed steal. Safety squeeze. Suicide squeeze. Go on downward contact (non force) etc.

Yeah... I suppose you're right.... As usual.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
We often call for fake bunts in various situations to see how the defense reacts. One play we have used numerous times this year is bunting with a runner on first and having that runner go directly to third without stopping. You would be surprised how many teams have the corners crash the bunt but then leave third base unprotected.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
We often call for fake bunts in various situations to see how the defense reacts. One play we have used numerous times this year is bunting with a runner on first and having that runner go directly to third without stopping. You would be surprised how many teams have the corners crash the bunt but then leave third base unprotected.

With a 2 man umpire crew you can also cut 2nd base short if you are so inclined.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
When faced with this situation we usually throw the ball to the 3rd baseman who slowly walks the runner back to 2nd and then flips the ball to the pitcher. After 2 or 3 of these the other team grows tired of it.
 
Oct 22, 2009
1,532
0
PA
In 14U, where many catchers have a gun and can nail the runner at 2nd, I will call for a fake steal when we have runners on 1st and 3rd. R1 leaves late, slows down half way and looks for where the throw (if any) goes. It's a good way to sniff out what the defense is going to do in that situation (throw through, throw to SS, throw to 3B, or let the runner take the base). Unfortunately, no matter how often we practice this, and how often I explain it to them, there is at least once (or twice) every tournament when R1 has a brain fart and stops in the baseline and gets picked off. :mad:
 

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