Coaching Softball - Defensive Rundowns

The Throwing Infielder in the Rundown

1) When chasing down a base runner, the throwing infielder holds the ball up in a throwing position so that the receiver is always capable of seeing the ball throughout the course of the play.

2) When chasing a base runner, the throwing infielder will run full speed at the base runner to commit her into one direction. Don’t doddle or stumble along as this may allow the base runner to reach base.

3) To freeze the runner, use repeated throwing fakes using full arm throwing fakes thus deceiving the base runner into thinking that a throw will be made.

4) When throwing the ball, throw overhand to the chest of the receiving fielder. Be careful of the velocity of the ball and the distance between thrower and receiver.

5) The thrower goes back to the base just vacated after making the throw.

6) While chasing, the infielder must listen for commands from other fielders involved in the play if other base runners are on base.

7) During the chase, force the base runner to run to one side of the baseline. The receiver can set up on the other side in plain view of the thrower.

The Receiving Infielder in the Rundown

1) The direction of the chase will dictate which side the infielder sets up on.

2) The in fielder will set herself one step from the base in the direction from which the base runner is coming.

The infielders hands will be up chest high, open and facing the throw.

3) Concentrate on the ball, not the runner and receive the ball with both hands. Catch the ball before making the tag attempt. The tag should be applied with two hands with the bare hand holding onto it. Tag with the back-side of the glove.

4) Once the tag is applied, the fielder will look to other base runners or situations that have developed during the rundown play.

Coverage and Backup

Situation 1: Rundown between first and second base.

SS/2B: position themselves at second base.
P/1B: position themselves at first base.
RF: Position herself behind first base area.
LF: Position herself approx. 35’ behind second base in left field.

Situation 2: Rundown between second and third base.

SS/3B:  position themselves at third base.
2B/1B: position themselves at second base.
RF: positions herself approx. 50’ behind second base in right field
LF: positions herself behind third base area.

Situation 3: Rundown between third base and home plate.

SS/3B: Position themselves at third base.
C/1B:  Position themselves at home plate.
P: Positions herself at backstop area.
LF: Positions herself approx. 30’ down the baseline if no other base runners on base. 50’ down baseline if there are other base runners on base.

Execution of Play

It’s best not to chase a base runner toward the next base. Chase from the lead base to the back base. Play the back base plays fairly stationary, one step off the base towards the runner. Attempt to produce all outs at the back base.