You're the Runner at Second

This discussion assumes the following:

The discussion would include other considerations and would be simplified if there was a runner at 1st because you would then be forced to advance on a ground ball.  That will not be the case here.  Also, if there were two outs, it would be further simplified because you would advance on any kind of hit.  Again, that will not be the case.  So, as you can already see, this is going to be a bit more complex and is going to require some thinking on the part of the runner.


Different types of hits are going to require different reactions. 

 

The third base coach may give you some advice once you arrive at 2nd base - but it really shouldn't be required.  He may remind you of the number of outs ... but you should already know that.

 

Here are some other common phrases you might hear the third base coach say:

 

"Freeze on a line drive."

 

"Don't run into a tag."

 

"You don't have to run."

 

"Make the ball go through on the left side."

 

"Score on a hit."

 

"Be ready to tag up on a fly ball."

 

Let's talk about each of these individually.

 

"Freeze on a line drive."

 

This always applies to all runners at any base anytime there is less than two outs.  This is nothing unique to 2nd base.  But runners at 2nd are more susceptible to being doubled-up on a line drive because of the central location of the base and the ease with which any of the fielders can get the ball there quickly.  The base is also surrounded by two of your opponent's best fielders, the shortstop and second baseman, who are very adept at getting the ball behind you should you stray too far off the bag.  More runners are doubled-up at 2nd base than either 1st or 3rd.

 

Almost nothing will deflate your team faster than when you start an inning with a runner in scoring position ... no outs ... and then, with one crack of the bat, there are two outs and the bases empty.  A baserunning mistake of that magnitude can sometimes turn the entire momentum of the game in your opponent's favor.  It fires them up!  Some teams never emotionally recover.

 

You have to be disciplined enough not to be overly anxious.  You can't take off running just because you heard the bat hit the ball.  That's not good enough.  That's sloppy baserunning and, quite frankly, is the kind of stuff you see in recreational leagues or at the 10U level.

 

Besides - what's the hurry?  If you have any kind of speed whatsoever, your chances of scoring on a hit into the outfield are very high.  You can afford to wait the extra half second to make sure the ball gets past the infielders.  In any case, the time you may lose by waiting a little longer - even if it might cost you the opportunity to score on the hit - is well offset by the damage that will be done should you get caught up in a double play.  Besides, being at 3rd with less than two outs isn't so bad compared to a double play - is it?

 

This isn't about conservative baserunning.  This is about SMART baserunning!

 

Freezing on a line drive means exactly that.  It doesn't involve running back to the base.  You will have some momentum built up from your leadoff.  When you see the ball come off the bat on a line drive - FREEZE!  Follow the hit.  See where it's going.  You can tell a lot by the reaction of the fielders.  If they just stand there with their glove up - you'd better get back.  The ball is almost certainly going to be caught.  If you notice that the fielder is moving rapidly in an attempt to get to the ball - get ready to run because the ball has a good chance of getting through.

 

You have to be particularly careful about line drives hit up the middle that pull either the shortstop or second baseman toward the bag.  If they catch it, they could possibly beat you in a foot race back to the bag. 

 

It is very helpful to be aware of the location of the infielders.  It's helpful to notice that the second baseman is playing well toward the first base side of her normal position, or, that the shortstop is playing deep in the hole.  That knowledge will help you have a better instinct for the likelihood of the hit getting through to the outfield or getting caught.

 

"Don't run into a tag."

 

Another common mistake made by runners at 2nd is that they run directly into a tag by either the shortstop or third baseman.

 

Much like the mistake runners make on a line drive - they just take off running the instant they hear the bat hit the ball without any thought.  If a grounder is hit to either the shortstop or third baseman, the runner is essentially running herself into an easy out.  And it could get worse!  The fielder might be able to slap a quick tag on the runner and follow it up with a throw to 1st for a double play.  The result will be the same as being doubled-up on a line drive.   

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  NEVER RUN DIRECTLY INTO A CERTAIN TAG!

 

EXCEPTION:  Even as a batter - never run directly into a certain tag.  If the batter hits an easy grounder directly to the first baseman, don't allow her to tag you if there are other runners on base.  Make her turn around and run back to the base, or, make her come forward and tag you.  HOWEVER!  If there are no runners on base and the first baseman is waiting to tag you as you go by - run as fast as you can with your arms pumping like crazy.  Go ahead and make a kamikaze run toward first base.  Let's face it - you're dead.  You don't have any good choices.  So, if the first baseman chooses to tag you, you might as well give her an opportunity to get sloppy or lackadaisical and drop the ball while making the tag.  The chances of that occurring are dramatically increased if you run fast with your arms pumping.  You want to create as much impact of glove-on-body as you can.  I've seen many first basemen drop the ball while making this tag.  Give her a chance to do it wrong.

 

"You don't have to run."

 

This is just a reminder that you have choices.

 

Since there is no runner at 1st, you do not have to run on a ground ball. 


We've already talked about the hazards of running toward the shortstop or third baseman.  You certainly want to keep your distance from those fielders when a grounder is hit to them.  You may want to advance after they make the throw to 1st, or, it might be safer to stay put.  They may forget to "check the runner" and allow you to get a good jump on the throw.  The game situation and score might dictate that you play it safe.

 

On balls hit to the right side, it is usually safe to advance.  The throw to 3rd base is much longer for the first and second baseman and they are generally inclined to make the easier play at 1st, anyway.  However, if the ball is hit sharply to the right side, you may not have time to get to 3rd.  This is where your instincts and common sense are going to play a huge role.  Good baserunners make good decisions and poor baserunners make ... well ... you know.

 

The point is - you don't have to run.  You have choices.  Make a good one!

 

As a general rule, on balls hit to the left side you usually stay or advance after the throw.  On balls hit to the right side - you go.  Again, that's a general rule.  Each play is different.

 

Treat balls hit directly back to the pitcher much in the same way that you treat balls hit to the left side.  Although it is unlikely that you are going to run into a tag, you have to be aware that a smart pitcher will first check the runner prior to throwing to 1st.  Don't get hung-up between the bases and end up in a rundown.  Read the pitcher's body language.  If she doesn't check you - be prepared to advance to 3rd on her throw to 1st.  Don't be too concerned about her faking a throw to 1st.  If you get hung-up, stay in the rundown as long as possible to allow the batter to advance to 2nd.  If the batter gets to 2nd, nothing is really lost on the play.  If you plan to advance after the pitcher's throw, don't wait too long.  If you don't get a good jump the first baseman might have a good play on you at 3rd.

 

"Make the ball go through on the left side."

 

This is just another way of saying, "Don't run into a tag."

 

If a ground ball is hit to either the shortstop or third baseman, make sure the ball goes into the outfield before advancing.  There's not much more to say about this than has already been said.

 

"Score on a hit."

 

This is a reminder from the third base coach for you to be aggressive.

 

Once you are sure that the ball is a hit into the outfield, you should immediately be thinking about scoring.  Don't wait for the third base coach to send you.  You've already been told to "score on a hit" so there's no reason to get any further permission.  If the third base coach just stands there - you should be coming full speed and head home without hesitation.  No signals or verbal encouragements should be required.

 

It's the third base coach's job to stop you if he changes his mind.  Don't be surprised if he stops you ... but don't anticipate it.  Your job is to score!  If he waits too long to stop you and you get hung-up between third and home, that's the coach's fault!

 

"Be ready to tag up on a fly ball."

 

Does this mean you need to tag up on any fly ball?  No.  It means exactly what it says ... BE READY to tag up.

 

You may or may not tag up depending on the nature of the fly ball.  Was it hit deep?  Where was it hit?  Is it an easy catch?  What kind of arm does the outfielder have?  How much risk is appropriate taking into consideration the game situation?

 

This could be one of the more difficult decisions a runner at 2nd has to make.  You can't rely on the third base coach to do the thinking for you.  There are simply too many possibilities and things often happen too quickly for instructions.


There are some general guidelines that can be followed, however.

You are much more likely to tag up and advance on anything hit to right field than you are to left or center because of the longer throw to 3rd base.

 

If in doubt - TAG UP!  Generally, it is a bigger mistake to fail to tag up when you should have and a lesser mistake to tag up when you should have been off the base.

 

Listen for instructions from the third base coach.  Don't expect instructions - but follow them if you get them.

 

* * * * *

 

Baserunning is a very important aspect of the game and, sadly, is seldom practiced and often overlooked.  People say softball is all about hitting, pitching, and fielding.  I would include baserunning as a fourth area.  You often don't realize how important it is until you run up against a team that has fast and intelligent baserunners.  You can just feel the pressure that it adds to the defense.  As soon as one of their runners reaches base the intensity starts to rise.  The pressure is on.  Smart runners can force errors and completely unravel a normally solid defensive team.  Smart baserunning can win ball games just as easily as good hitting, pitching, and fielding.

 

Dedicate yourself to being a smart baserunner.

 

Coach Dave