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The Golden Rule All 9 have a job: Ball · Bag · Backup. Nobody stands still.
Rundowns — booklet (2 pages) ← All printables
Rundowns

Rundown Between First and Second

Runner on 1st 1 out Run him hard one way; one throw

A runner is hung up between first and second. Run him hard back toward first, force him to commit, and tag him with as few throws as possible.

Ball Bag Backup

  • P
    Pitcher Backup

    Slide in behind the first baseman to back up that end of the rundown.

  • C
    Catcher Backup

    Trail up the line to back up the first-base end.

  • 1B
    First Base Ball

    Receive the throw and apply the tag; run him back if he won't commit.

  • 2B
    Second Base Ball

    Take the runner and drive him hard back toward first, then make one short throw.

  • 3B
    Third Base Bag

    Cover third in case of another runner or an errant throw.

  • SS
    Shortstop Backup

    Trail in behind second base to back up the throw and take a relay if needed.

  • LF
    Left Field Backup

    Move in to back up.

  • CF
    Center Field Backup

    Move in to back up second base.

  • RF
    Right Field Backup

    Sprint in to back up the play near first base.

Key point

Run the runner HARD back toward the base he came from, make him commit, and tag him with one throw — every extra throw is a chance to advance.

Drill

Rundown reps: the defender sprints at the runner full speed with the ball held high, gives one dart throw, the receiver tags.

Watch for

Soft jogging and fake pump-throws that let the runner slow down and read it — sprint and force the decision.

Rundowns

Rundown Between Third and Home

Runner on 3rd 1 out Run him back to third; protect the plate

A runner is trapped between third and home. Always run him BACK toward third so the play stays away from the plate.

Ball Bag Backup

  • P
    Pitcher Backup

    Back up the catcher's end near the plate.

  • C
    Catcher Ball

    Take the ball and run the runner hard back toward third; never let him build speed to the plate.

  • 1B
    First Base Bag

    Cover first base in case of another runner.

  • 2B
    Second Base Bag

    Cover second base.

  • 3B
    Third Base Ball

    Receive the throw at third and apply the tag.

  • SS
    Shortstop Backup

    Slide in behind third base to back up that end.

  • LF
    Left Field Backup

    Move in to back up third from the outfield.

  • CF
    Center Field Backup

    Drift in to back up.

  • RF
    Right Field Backup

    Drift in to back up.

Key point

In a rundown near home, always drive the runner BACK toward third — if you must err, err away from the plate.

Drill

Third-to-home rundown reps: catcher sprints the runner back, one firm throw to the third baseman, clean tag.

Watch for

Chasing the runner toward home and giving him a lane to the plate — run him the other way.