Ideas on how to combat this situation 10u

Rolling Hard · May 11, 2018

Fast and crafty base runner on 2nd takes extremely large lead on each pitch trying to draw a throw to 3rd and create error on 3rd baseman or catcher. If its a clean throw and catch the baserunner retreats back to 2nd base. It would require a very quick transfer and (dangerous) throw by 3rd baseman to get the runner back at 2nd.

This type of base running has other negative effect also. It slows down the game causing pitcher can get out of rhythm. Also lulls the catcher into thinking she not going and on the 3rd or 4th pitch she really does go and catches catcher off guard.

We are working on making fast transfers and getting the confidence to throw behind the runner.

What do you think of this play:

First pitch throw to 3rd, runner retreats to 2nd. Second pitch, SS shadows base runner and catcher throw straight to SS(very close to base runner) perhaps freezing her for tag or one throw pickle.

Drakemir · May 11, 2018

Throw the ball back to the pitcher as quickly as possible. Runner then has to commit to one or the other - if the pitcher is paying attention then can go to third. Do not throw behind the runner.

- you can also have the catcher run at the runner - but that really isn't practical after 10u. But will force them to go one way or another.

canyonjoe · May 11, 2018

Your ultimate goal in the situation is to keep her from scoring. The easiest way for her to score at 10U is for your team to start throwing the ball around. Don't do it!!

First off the catcher should assume they might run on every pitch so keep her alert. If she doesn't go as Drakemir said work on getting ball to pitcher quickly. From there she can make short throw to 3rd if runner goes. The Catcher just needs to fake the throw once in a while to make sure the runner doesn't delay steal if she throws back in rhythm every time. It's OK for C to run at the runner if you want on occasion. Even taking a step toward the runner will freeze her.

In the end just make sure P is alert and while they might get 3rd on occasion work on the hitters and you'll be fine.

Strike2 · May 11, 2018

Drakemir said:
Throw the ball back to the pitcher as quickly as possible. Runner then has to commit to one or the other - if the pitcher is paying attention then can go to third. Do not throw behind the runner.

- you can also have the catcher run at the runner - but that really isn't practical after 10u. But will force them to go one way or another.

^^ This...but make sure your pitcher is in the circle, and doesn't do any fakes once receiving the ball...that allows the runner another move. Pitcher can look at runner, position her feet, and hold ball in glove with throwing hand.

FP26 · May 11, 2018

Drakemir said:
Throw the ball back to the pitcher as quickly as possible. Runner then has to commit to one or the other - if the pitcher is paying attention then can go to third. Do not throw behind the runner.

- you can also have the catcher run at the runner - but that really isn't practical after 10u. But will force them to go one way or another.

I agree with this. But, if your catcher does leave the homeplate area, make sure that either P or 1b immediately moves to cover home. I have seen similar plays where one errant throw creates a mad scramble. Never leave home plate exposed.

softgabby · May 11, 2018

We had a situation similar to this in a game we lost a week and a half ago (we're sitting at a 4-12 record right now with 8 games to play). Smart, speedy runner at second that has a high tendency to steal especially second. I had her steal two bases on me during the game. I ended up getting her trying to steal third once during the game. As a catcher, I try to get the ball back in the hands of my pitcher as quickly as I possibly can. If you are getting the ball back to her at your regular pace or a little slower, your giving that runner an opportunity to steal on you. Also try popping up really quickly if you think the runner is getting out to larger leads. This should make her think that going isn't going to be worth it. If she tries to steal, you can try to throw to third if your third base man is at the bag to try to fake her out.

You don't want to do this too much though and show your hand. Be smart about when you try to fake out a runner. That base runner is trying to pick up on tendencies to try to steal another base.

kjs23 · May 11, 2018

Rolling Hard said:
First pitch throw to 3rd, runner retreats to 2nd. Second pitch, SS shadows base runner and catcher throw straight to SS(very close to base runner) perhaps freezing her for tag or one throw pickle.

I've used this at higher ages (U16 Boys) quite effectively. It requires a hard throw. SS gets half a step ahead of baserunner and throw is to the SS, just far enough ahead they can't pass before it gets there. Most times the runner will either duck for freeze and be an easy tag out. If you're concerned about throwing to third though, this is not likely to be any safer. If nothing else though, it gets the runner thinking about more than one thing which is somewhat helpful.

Comp · May 11, 2018

Have your catcher come out and move diagonally toward the runner, heading between the runner and 3rd base. Cuts down on the throw distance to 3rd if the runner does try to advance and also cuts down on distance for throw to 2nd if she has a big enough lead to pick off at 2nd. Runner will not try to advance with a catcher coming out heading between them and 3rd base.

mmeece · May 11, 2018

Drakemir said:
Throw the ball back to the pitcher as quickly as possible. Runner then has to commit to one or the other - if the pitcher is paying attention then can go to third. Do not throw behind the runner

This, every time. If the catcher is quick and makes good throws it shuts this down quickly. You do need to practice it some so the catcher learns to read the runner and doesn't allow the runner to simply keep going to 3rd when she throws to the pitcher. Also, the SS has to talk to the pitcher if the runner takes off.

Ideas on how to combat this situation 10u

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Rolling Hard

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FP26

softgabby

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Comp

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