Going 1st to 3rd

Going from 1st base to 3rd base on a batted ball is a skill that must be developed. Many advantages exist if a runner can reach 3rd base rather than settling for 2nd base. However, there are factors that go into a baserunners decision making process.

The first thing that a runner needs to understand is how many outs are there. If there is one out the runner should be very aggressive. If he thinks he has a chance at making it to 3rd base on the base hit he should go for it. 1 out scenarios are "greeen lights" when thinking do I take 3rd base.

The second thing a runner needs to understand is the decision to go to 3rd base should be his decision. I know a lot of youth coaches want there runner to look to the 3rd base coach but that simply slows the process down. The decision is a very quick one and should not be delayed by a 3rd base coach who is processing the same information as the runner. Eliminate the "middle man" and make a prudent quick decision.

There are certainly times that you should attempt to go to 3rd base with 0 or 2 outs. I teach that these times you should only go if you think you can make it standing up. The risk of making a 1st out or a 3rd out at 3rd base simply isn't worth the risk.

Now, here some more variable that go into making this decision. 1) What was the outfielders original depth? 2) What angle is the outfielder taking to the ball? 3) At what speed is the outfielder approaching the ball? 4) What is the arm strength of the outfielder? 5) How fast am I? 6) Am I an important run? This last element speaks to the idea of being late in the game. Maybe the tying run is 4 batters away and it simply doesn't matter whether you are at 2nd or 3rd.

This skill must be practiced so the baserunner gets comfortable making this decision for himself.