Running Down To 1st

[wjdempkowski]

At what age do you teach that the catcher runs down to 1st, trailing the BR? I recently saw a 9U game where the C literally beat a few down the line. I thought it was a bit odd because there was a "no overthrow" rule so it seemed pointless to waste her legs like that.

All ages.

Now, you must teach them situational awareness as well.

With runners on - Catcher is staying home to direct traffic.

Now, with no one on, it depends where the ball is hit and how.
Ball hit to Center or Left - Catcher trails runner the first third of the basepath.
Ball hit to Right - Possible play at first - Catcher moving hard to spot for overthrow. (Could be the dugout fence depending on angle)
Ball hit to third - Right Fielder moving hard to overthrow angle. Catcher trails runner as above.
Ball hit to middle-infield - Catcher moving hard to spot for overthrow.

This is why it became common practice to have a runner assigned to your catcher like you have one for the pitcher.

Lastly, this is another reason why I like bigger teams. Playing 6-8 games in a weekend with only one catcher, to me, is cruel to your catcher. Depending on how the game is going, consider substituting mid-game instead of alternating every other game.

 

[djcarter1966]

Again it depends where that spot is, if the ball is hit down the RF line and RF is there quickly for possible play at first C might be best to stay put or just take a couple steps up and to the right. If ball is hit to left field I am not sure exactly why the catcher is running hard to anywhere?

All this to say the most important thing is to:

1) As C be ready and alert and play the correct angle and backup when needed
2) As RF same thing; know the situation and know the angles and backup when needed