1st and 3rd; Draw a throw from the catcher.

1st and 3rd situations create an uneasy feeling from most defensive coaches. Why? They know that with players at the corners of the diamond it puts a lot of pressure on the arm strengths of the defensive players. At the amateur level, this can cause defensive coaches to feel helpless.

Most defensive coaches put on a play for the catcher when the runner at 1st takes off to 2B. What most coaches don't account for is what if something happens if the runner doesn't take off for 2B?

The play I am referring to is the runner at 1st simply gets a large secondary lead and invites a throw from the catcher. If the catcher takes the bait the runner immediately turns and sprints towards 2B. The speed in which he takes off forces the 1B to make a quick decision. This quick decision is what the offensive team is counting on. When the 1B cocks his arm to throw to 2B to record the out, the runner at 3B begins his sprint home. The arm strength of the defensive players should make this play a tough one to defend.

This play would certainly not show up in professional baseball. The arm strength is too good and they would allow their hitter to attempt to drive the run in. At amateur levels where all variables are in the offensive teams corner make this play much more attractive.