Baseball players dread getting caught in a rundown. Being forced to run back and forth between bases can be a humiliating and exhausting experience. Yet smart baserunners will work to stay alive as long as possible, because fielders have a tendency to get confused when more than one or two throws are required. Coaches can use the following rundown drills to stress proper rundown technique and player rotation.
Basic Rundown
A basic rundown drill requires four fielders and one baserunner. Have the baserunner start between first and second base. The second baseman should force the runner back toward first base, with the shortstop rotating to cover second. Once he throws the ball to the first baseman, the second baseman peels off and backs up first base, which is now covered by the pitcher. The first baseman forces the runner back up the line until forced to throw to the shortstop covering second, and then the first baseman peels off and backs up second. The same rotation continues until the fielders tag out the runner.
Pickle
Younger players need rundown drills too. In the game of Pickle, a coach or parent plays the role of the trapped baserunner. The adult tries to avoid a tag as long as possible, forcing the kids to execute a proper rundown rotation for multiple throws. The adult can even crack jokes and poke gentle fun at the kids, getting them to try even harder. Kids love to have the opportunity to run down adults, which ensures fun for all.
Two Runners
Rundowns become far more complicated when two runners are on base. Rundown drills should be conducted to remind players to always concentrate on the lead base to eliminate the immediate scoring threat. To begin, place runners at first and third. The entire infield, including the pitcher, takes part in the drill. Once the pitcher comes to a set position, the runner at first starts a rundown on purpose in an attempt to allow the runner at third to score. Fielders must be instructed to keep a close eye on the lead runner and fire home if there's any danger of the run scoring. Ideally, the fielders will trap the runner off third and erase the lead runner.
Four Base Rundown
This fun, competitive team drill starts with four bases positioned in the outfield grass about 30 feet apart. Players are split into teams of four. Team 1 stations a fielder at each base. Team 2 places baserunners at first, second and third, with the extra player subbing in when someone gets tired. Team 3 stands well behind each base in case of overthrows. The fielder from Team 1 covering home starts with the ball. He must throw to one of the bases, attempting to catch a runner leading off. This initial throw sparks potential rundowns at every base. The offense attempts to score five runs before the defense records five outs. Once a team reaches five, the roles change.
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