- by Rick Johnston (added content Richard Todd )

This is one of a series of advanced pages on the art of base running. Every detail is important in shaving time off the run.


Whatever gets a runner to third, the game plan from then on is simple... cross the plate! But it's complicated but situational factors - inning, score, number of outs, capabilities of the next batters in the line up, etc. The third-base coach needs to be aware of these other factors and take at least that pressure off the player. The runner can then concentrate on reading and reacting to the actual pitch and consequences.

The reason most kids have a hard time at third base is because they do not know the rules and they have never practiced the running rules in a practice setting. There are factors that come into play when it comes to a runner at third base. If runners do not know what to do at third base, they
make poor judgement mistakes.

First and foremost is the situation as discussed. Second, the runner needs to read the defense positioning prior to the pitch. Third, the third base coach should implement a system by which the runner on third is fully aware of, as well as the hitter.

1. See the ball through the infield. That means, the runner on third must not attempt to score unless he sees the batted ball goes through the infield.
2. Score in the middle and hold up on the corners and pitcher. That means the runner will score on any batted ball to the middle of the infield on the ground.
3. Runners decision. That means the runner will make the decision as to whether he will release to the plate on a batted ball (the third base coach will verbally communicate prior to pitch and both the runner and coach must read the defensive alignment positioning).
4. Down angle. The runner will release to the plate on down angle of bat ball contact.  This can be tough although, because the runner may get a late read which will cause a poor break.
5. Contact. Just that, go on contact (most often done with one out, very infrequently with none out).
6. Start back in the air. Any ball hit in the air, the runner must start back to third at the completion of his secondary walking lead.
7. Go with third. If the third baseman fields the ball moving toward the plate in a slow roller situation go with him cautiously and read the throw.
8. Line drives. Freeze and release back a step and read the ball before any forward movement.

These rules must be conveyed to the runner prior to the pitch.  In obvious
situations the rules will apply more often. It is the job of the third base coach to remind the runner after each pitch. Now this may seem like a lot of information. It is, however, poor base running judgement [and] a function of not doing it in practice. 


Have you kids start at third base, with a defense on the field. Put a coach at the plate with a bucket of balls and fungo in hand.  Have the pitcher go through the delivery with the runners taking their secondary walking lead. Make sure each runner on third reads the defense prior to the fungo'd ball and have the third base coach call out situations.

It's important for the hitter to know what is going on because if the contact play is on you want the hitter to not run through first base if the play is going to the plate. So set up some signs, i.e.: contact could be point to hitter after the sign sequence has been completed. The hitter then knows the runner is breaking on contact. As far as reading, the read must happen before the pitch and must be superseded by the situation... the importance of the run, hitter. etc.


Everything above is geared to the runner being hit in by good contact at the plate. There are, of course, other ways to score from third, not always predictable or reliable.

• Passed Ball. The key here is to know the backstop - if it's live and the pitch sails straight back, there is a risk of a bounce back to the waiting catcher. Therefore, the best opportunity are on pitches that deflect off the catcher's gear to either side. First he has to find the ball, then get to it. The runner should break on the deflection, but be prepared to hold and scramble back if the ball has not rolled far.
• Delayed Steal. Obviously with a runner on first, enticing the catcher to throw creates an opportunity. But this could be a decoy to a second baseman creeping in to cut off the throw down and relay it back to the catcher. Both coach and player have to be alert not only to where the ball is headed, but where fielders are playing.
• Suicide Squeeze. Often talked about, seldom executed. It requires three things to work - an aggressive but smart runner, a fearless bunter, and a pitch in the zone. This last point means pitch count is important. First pitch is not always the best choice.