When a runner is at 2B and less than two outs, the 3B coach should consider whether or not he is forced. This situation affects the chances of the runner being waved home vs. holding him at 3B.
A 3B coach must anticipate base hits to the outfield and what read the runner at 2nd base has. If the runner has a trail runner behind him then he is off as soon as the ball is hit on the ground. However, if he is not forced, the ball in front of him must get through before he can advance to 3B. Understanding this definitely affects the decision of the 3B coach.
When a runner gets to 2B, I yell "know your rules." This communicates to the runner that he should concentrate on what "reads" he has on ground balls. Just worrying about a "read" means that your break will be slower and not nearly as fast as a forced situation.
This idea of forced or not forced definitely impacts the 3B thinking about waving a runner or not waving a runner. This is one of those thoughts that pops up when you are a 3B coach and maybe not before.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment