: Strategies: Offense

Baserunning
Baserunning requires the runner to ‘pre-think’ their options should the ball be hit. But, often left unsaid, is that they need to think whether they should run at all. You must teach your runners (and defense for that matter) the concept of ‘force-out’. They should always be aware of whether they ‘must’ run, rather than ‘want’ to run. Here are some basic strategies

1. Don’t run unless forced to or instructed to by a coach.
2. They should be focused on listening for a ‘get down’ or ‘tag up’ instruction from a coach. The ball will be in play so signals are no longer effective.
3. Once they have gotten to first base, their visual attention should turn to the 3^rd base coach. Listen for verbal instruction from the 1^st base coach if the runner is on or leaving first.
4. As mentioned earlier, have the runners’ watch the pitchers feet closely. Be sure that the pitcher is making contact with the rubber and do not lead off until they are. Once the pitcher moves towards home plate, they cannot throw to the base, so the runner may extend their lead.
5. After taking a lead off, if the ball is not hit, remind them to return to base quickly since the catcher will generally have a good arm and can make a sharp throw to the base to get them out.
6. Be prepared to tag up. Be sure the players’ understand that a fly ball is an out if it is caught and that they must return to their base. They then have the option of advancing to the next ball. Unless you are coaching an older, more experience team, make this a coach decision, not a player decision. Be sure they understand the skill in any case.