Steals & Coverage

Steal of Third Base

C → 3B, tag at third

A runner steals third. The catcher must step to clear the right-handed batter and fire a strike to the third baseman covering the bag.

Speed

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Press Watch the Play to run the sequence, or tap any player to study their job.

All 9 jobs

Ball Bag Backup

P

Pitcher Backup

Break toward third to back up the throw.
C

Catcher Ball

Step toward third to clear the hitter and fire a low strike to the bag.
1B

First Base Bag

Cover first base.
2B

Second Base Bag

Cover second base behind the runner.
3B

Third Base Bag

Cover third, give a target, and apply the tag.
SS

Shortstop Backup

Rotate toward the middle to back up the play.
LF

Left Field Backup

Sprint in to back up third base.
CF

Center Field Backup

Drift in to back up.
RF

Right Field Backup

Drift in to back up the infield.

Key point

Stealing third is about the catcher's footwork — he steps to clear the batter and throws a strike, low to the bag for a quick tag.

Drill

Catcher third-base throws with a hitter in the box; emphasize the jab step to clear and a low, firm throw.

Watch for

Throwing through the batter's box without clearing — a deflected or high throw lets the runner in standing up.