The third base coach can have a huge impact on the outcome of a baseball game. By staying alert and knowing the tendencies of all players on the field, he can give the players on his team an edge when it comes to running the bases and other key aspects of the game.
Relay Signals
The third base coach will send the signals he receives from the manager to the batter and the base runners. This is done with hand signals. A third base coach may tell the batter to lay down a sacrifice bunt by rubbing his right hand across his right cheek and tell the base runner to steal second base by tugging at the bottom of his ear. It is the responsibility of the third base coach to deliver the signals quickly and clearly.
Know Opponents
The third base coach must know the tendencies of the opposing defensive players, particularly the arm strength of opposing outfielders. He can get this information by reading scouting reports, viewing videotape and from his own in-game observations. This knowledge combined with his observations will help him give stop or go instructions to base runners.
Instructing Baserunners
It is the third base coach's job to instruct runners on what to do once they leave first base. If there's a runner on first base and there is a base hit to right field, that runner will depend on the third base coach's instruction on whether to stop at second or advance to third. The same holds for a runner who advances to third and has to know whether to stay there or attempt to score. The coach gives these instructions by shouting verbal commands and by giving hand and arm signals. The third base coach will base his instructions on the fielder's arm strength, the runner's speed and the game situation.
Alertness
The third base coach must always be alert to the situation in the game and must pass this information to the batter and the base runners. For example, always let the base runners know how many outs there are. The base runner should know, but he may not always be paying attention. It is your job to remind him. Do this every inning of every game. Make it a habit. Also, if you see an infielder who may be out of position, put the steal signal on so the base runner can take advantage. If you see a fielder who is leaving a hole for the batter, you may want to advise the batter so he can try to get a hit by driving the ball into that vacated spot.
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