Sometimes when a runner is caught off base, whether it be by the pitcher, catcher, or any other member of the defensive team, he attempts to get free by dodging back and forth along the base line.

The team without a defense for these antics, is a team that’s going to lose many a base runner, many an out, and, perhaps, many a ball game.

There is no excuse for a runner escaping, once caught in a run-up play. The defense has all the advantage. It need only remember these principles:

Take the initiative away from the runner.

Put the runner out with no more than two throws.

Put the runner out at the base he started from.

Now, put a runner halfway between 1st and 2nd.

The three players who would work together to put the runner out include second baseman, shortstop and first baseman.

Remove the trapped runner from between 1st and 2nd and put him between 2nd and 3rd. The three defensive men involved this time would be the second baseman, shortstop and third baseman. Baseball Training - Read More.