3B coach should not always flash signs.

A 3B coach has to know appropriate times to flash signals and not so appropriate times.

I believe at the amateur level far too many times coaches simply don't flash signals enough. For all intents and purposes, you should give signals when there is an opportunity for a play. Now, understanding that there are in fact times when signals should not be given just speaks to ones understanding of the game. Here are certain times when signals should not be given.

1) When there is no one on base you don't need to give signals other than asking a hitter to bunt for a hit.

2) With 2 outs and no steal opportunity available you don't need to flash any signals. Man on 3rd. Men on 2nd and 3rd. Bases loaded. These are examples when no signal is needed.

3) A pre-determined "green light" option has been set up and both the runner and the batter are aware of this.

4) Up big or down big. You don't need to slow down the pace of the game if the outcome is determined. Teach your players to understand that although we're not quiting we're not going to do anything more than we have to.

If you watch a 3B coach at the Division 1 level you'll see signals that are very intricate. But, you'll also notice that signals are not always given. More than likely, one of the above scenarios applies.