The ABCs of First and Third – Yvette Girouard

The ABCs of First and Third

By Yvette Girouard

Originally Published In: The Softball Drill Book - Human Kinetics

Purpose
To better understand and execute defensive options when defending situations with runners at 1B and 3B

Organization
All infielders take their normal positions.

Execution
After the pitch is delivered, the SS breaks to cover 2B, and the second baseman breaks to her "cut" position, about six feet (two meters) in front and just off line of 2B. In a live first-and-third situation, the defense must react to runners at 1B and 3B, but in this drill there are no base runners. Infielders should practice each of the six basic ways to defend this situation:

     A: Throw down to 2B; SS lays the tag at 2B.

     B: Throw down to 2B; SS cuts the ball at 2B and throws the ball directly home to prevent the runner at 3B from scoring.

    C: Throw down to 2B; second baseman cuts the ball and throws to 3B to tag the runner who is too far off the bag.

    D: Throw down to 2B; second baseman cuts the ball and throws directly to home to prevent the runner at 3B from scoring.

    E: Throw down to 2B; second baseman cuts the ball and flips the ball to SS. SS walks the runner back to 1B while checking the runner at 3B.

    F: Throw down to 3B; third baseman tags the runner who's too far off the bag.

Variation
Once the options are understood and worked through smoothly, use outfielders as live base runners so that the defense can react to their leads, breaks, and positioning on the base paths.

Coaching Points

When cutting the throw down to 2B, it's important to meet the ball and catch the throw on the right foot (for right-handed players). This enables the defender to throw on the very next (left) step. The second baseman should always cut the throw down to 2B if the throw is too high or off line.

The runner on 3B is the priority out in first-and-third situations, because this runner holds the threat of scoring. If this runner breaks to home at any point during a first-and-third situation, the defender should remove her focus from the runner at 1B and turn it fully to the runner at 3B to prevent her from scoring.

It's helpful to use the coach's box as a reference point when determining if the runner on 3B is too far off the base. If the runner is past the coach's box, a throw can be made to 3B. If the runner is halfway between 3B and home, force her to commit back to 3B or on to home by running directly at her (a rundown situation).