Know how many outs there are. The stakes are magnified because you are only 90 feet (27.4 m) from scoring a run.
Have a heightened awareness of the signs at third because of a possible squeeze, a contact play, or a first-and-third double steal.
On a single or a double to the outfield with other runners on base, you should try to get the bat and catcher's mask out of the way in case the next runner has to slide in around them. You also become a coach for the next runner possibly coming in. If there is any doubt, tell them to slide. Better to make this decision early than late.
On a squeeze bunt, break for home when the pitcher's stride foot lands or at release point.
If you get in a rundown on a contact play, stay in the rundown until the batter - runner can get to second base so that he is in scoring position. You should yell, "Rundown," to let the batter - runner know to go to second.
With the infield in and no outs, do not take a secondary lead because if a ground ball is hit to third you will get tagged out by the third baseman. With no outs and the infield in, you are making sure that ground balls and line drives go through.
With runners at first and third, if the ball is hit hard to the third baseman, go home immediately to try to entice the third baseman to throw home, which is a tougher double play to turn than the traditional 5-4-3 double play.
In a first-and-third situation do not go on a routine ball hit to the first baseman, third baseman, or pitcher. Wait to break until the defensive player throws the ball toward second.
When tagging up at third base always face the ball and use the side of the bag to push off. Push off with the left foot on balls hit from right center over and push off on the right foot when the ball is hit from the left-field line over.
Run on the inside of the third-base line toward home on all bunts.
