One of the trickiest scenarios defensively for many younger teams is the runners on first and third situation. You know the set up. The runner on first base takes off very early while the pitcher is in the set position in the attempt to draw a pickoff attempt from the pitcher.  The goal is for the runner to remain in a pickle between first and second base just long enough for the runner on third to hustle across home plate. It's frustrating and annoying at the same time when it works while you're on defense, but absolutely exhilarating when you're on offense side of the deal.

The good news is that your squad can “destruction proof” this scenario without a lot of time spent on baseball drills. However, while it will not take large chunks of time to master the routine to prevent this sneaky play, it must be implemented in your youth baseball drills often.  This will avoid the spastic defense syndrome when this play is pulled. 

The single most important thing to remember in this scenario is that the defensive is in full control of the situation. It controls the pace, the direction and tempo in which the runners move, and ultimately if the runs scores. This understanding brings with it the luxury of relaxation during the play. Here is how the ideal scenario plays out.

Directions for Execution:

1.      The base runner leaves first base early and draws a throw from your pitcher. Or, he may even begin to steal second base and will stop in the middle of the base path putting pressure on your catcher to do something. The opposition is hoping for a moment of uncertainty here to capitalize on. I'll address both situations in the following points.

2.      The base runner leaves early from first base before the pitch is delivered and your pitcher is in the set position. Your first baseman then yells, "step off!" to the pitcher, who then steps off the backside of the rubber. This is important.  If he doesn’t step behind the rubber and walks off the mound, it’s considered a balk and the runners advance.  The pitcher will then check the runner on third base by looking at him with his body squared up to him.  It’s important that the momentum of the runner is not in any way moving towards home plate. Then, he will quickly turn and throw the baseball to your second baseman who has come forward into the base path from his position behind second base. 

OR

2.      The base runner makes a series of hard steps towards second base in a false attempt to steal second.  The pitcher delivers the pitch to the catcher who now ends up with a major decision.  The correct approach is for him to quickly turn his body towards third base until the momentum of the runner has stopped and preferably begun to move back towards third base.  The catcher then pivots and throws the ball directly to the second baseman who has come forward into the base path from his position behind second base.

3.      The second baseman now has the ball.  He keeps the ball in his throwing hand (never in his glove).  With the ball in hand and in a dart throwing position he begins to walk quickly towards first base (no running or jogging as there is no need). At this point one of two things will happen. Either the runner on first base will go back to the bag or the runner on third base will begin a sprint towards home plate and draw a throw from the second baseman.

4.      The runner returning to first base is the best possible scenario since your second baseman will then immediately toss the ball back to the pitcher who hops back on the  mound and prepares for the next pitch.

OR

4.      If the opposing runner on third makes a break towards home, the third baseman yells, "runner!".  It’s important that while practicing this play within in your baseball drills that emphasis is made that the third baseman must yell, not simply state quietly, “runner”.  Reason being is that the second baseman’s main focus is on the runner on first base. Once your second baseman hears the third baseman, he pivots quickly and throws the ball to home plate.

To conclude with a point of caution, the worst thing that can happen during this entire play is for the defense to panic and forget that they are in control. If nerves can be kept, there is a very high probability that the play will end successfully for your guys.