QBad Hops

I am not sure how to deal with funny bounces. I can't read them well and have made two errors in the last 3 games on different balls playing third base. On the first ball I was expecting to pick up the grounder with my glove pointed underhand but the ball took a funny bounce hit me in the chest and I couldn't recover in time. My coach then told me that I have to recognize the ball and be ready to keep my glove pointed overhand. The second ball was quite the opposite. I expected the ball to take a funny bounce and instead it rolled under my glove and into left field. Please give me tips in picking up the grounders and reading how high the ball will bounce.

AI disagree with one thing your coach says - as a third baseman bad hops and stopping the ball with your body are expected - when you knock it down you might save an extra base. As for the second ball and general principles - always have your glove right to the ground below the ball and pull up when necessary. Why? Because it is easier/faster to contract your arms with your biceps than to extend them downward with triceps. In both cases it's important to have your throwing hand positioned above the underhand glove like a trap - you can get to the ball easier and also stop any bounces up off the glove itself. To read the playing field conditions, make sure you get good bouncers and rollers in the pre-game infield so you are tested against the field.

QBunt Defense at 3rd

I coach a 12U travel team and am debating on the best bunt defense when there
is a runner on 2d base. If the 3d baseman charges, I don't believe the SS can
get to 3d base in time in case the runner is stealing (batter was only fake
bunting). The other option is have the 3d baseman stay close to 3d base and
instruct the Pitcher to cover the 3d base side for bunts, with the risk that the
batter can bunt for a base hit (especially with a lefty pitching).

AThat's why the games are played - nothing is ever a sure thing. This is a fun
situation from so many angles. In terms of technique and position, the short
stop should be playing ahead of the runner on a wheel defense (third charging)
and SS needs to break for the bag as soon as first indication of bunt. A smart
offensive team will try to fake bunt to draw the fielders at the same time the
runner goes - tough to time right on both sides. That said, priority generally
is given to get the lead runner. So keeping third protected is a better option -
if it matters whether that lead runner is held at 2nd or advances to third.

But there are other factors. For example, with none or one out, a runner who
gets to third can score on a flyball. However the offense is taking a greater
risk with one out - if the bunt doesn't work then it's 2 out. With none out,
less risk. So consider your defense in that context. With one out - third
charges the bunt - getting the out is a priority. With none out - protect the
bag at third, keep the lead runner at second or get him out on the steal.

Then again, offense should not want to try for third with the risk that you will
get the first out at third. (Being at second is being in scoring position.)

Finally, consider the score - how important is that runner getting to third - in
a close game it might be worth the offensive risk and therefore protecting third
could kill their important inning.

As I said, all the possibilities are what makes baseball so much fun between
pitches.

QRunner on Third

If they have a runner on third, where and how should the third baseman play this situation... where are his feet in relation to the bag? At what time does he resume his normal playing position?

AOf course, it depends on how critical the situation is. Does the runner represent a winning, tieing, or go-ahead run? How many outs? What sort of batter is up?

Assuming these is a legit reason for your fielder holding the runner close, and with a right-handed thirdbaseman - right foot either on the back edge of the bag, or near the front corner, whichever position is best for the fielder - as long as he is in a deep crouch to allow glove to come over and down to the bag. With a leftie, it's easier - as it is on first - because the glove is in the best position for a quick tag (in which case right foot is along the edge of the bag away from the baseline.)

By the way, I see a lot of kids straddle the bag, but that puts a foot in foul territory which is technically illegal at the start of the play (with the foot behind the bag, you can straddle it during the catch). - Some umps don't call this. Move off the bag as soon as pitcher commits to the plate.

QTurning a Long 2

What would you consider the best way to turn a double play at 3rd with runners on 1st and 2nd? Tag your bag and throw or a 5-4-3 double play or would it depend which way the ball takes you?

AThe focus should always be to get an out at the lead bag first, getting the second out is always a bonus. If you can tag your bag at 3rd, then you only need to throw to first for the double play, forget second at that point. It is very unlikely after a tag at 3rd you would still have time to throw to 2nd ahead of runner. And always do try to get the lead runner at 3rd. However, if you are too far off the bag and play at 3rd would be too close then it might end up with no outs - even a short move to 3rd reduces your chances at 2nd, a long move to 3rd reduces your chances at 1st also. So if 3rd is out of question, go to second if there's time - the 5-4-3 double play you mention. If that is in doubt - take the sure out at 1st. All of this needs to be though through before the ball is hit, while the pitcher is taking his signs. (You should also have your eyes on the catcher.)

QWork at Third

My son is 14, he has a good glove and arm. His foot action is average. What types of drills can assist him in playing a third base position.

AThere are some team drills on the third base pages that are good for basic skills development, and some items mentioned on the solo ball page (click the small ball icon at the bottom of any page).
In addition to those, the key attributes of a third baseman do include toughness, fearlessness and quick reactions, plus a strong arm. I would suggest he work on cross-over steps, lateral crisscross leg movements (like you might see in football practices), even working on tire drills and springing off and onto apple boxes - anything that will help strength the explosive (plyometrics) power in his legs. You might also get a lot out of the "Third base workout" video. Also make sure that his chest and arm work includes a combination of tight-in side arm throws and long toss - not just straight throws from third to first! Also his glove work can continue to improve if he works with a tennis ball bounced off a piece of lattice fencing - anything that creates unpredictable bounces and forces him to react quickly to bad hops.