THIRD BASE COACH RESPONSIBILITIES (Part I)
Good coaching from the third base box can win baseball games. Split-second decisions, awareness of the percentages and knowledge of your opponents' strengths and weaknesses can often make the difference.
Base runners are usually responsible for knowing when to advance but some plays put the ball behind them so the actions of the third base coach become vital. For instance, a runner on first and the ball is hit to right field. You decide he can make it all the way to third. You can move out of the third base coach's box to get in your line of sight so the runner can see your signal to advance.
It is important for the third base coach to be animated and make signs that will clearly be understood. This becomes vital at full speed.
These are the duties of the third base coach. There are more at the advanced level of play than at youth league where players are not allowed to lead off.
Congratulate the runner for reaching third base.
Remind him of the number of outs.
Give the signs.
Make sure all base runners and the hitter see your signs.
Remind runner at second base to take a two-out lead when there are 2 outs.
Let the runner at second know when he can extend his lead. Coach Grant uses the phrase, 'Plenty of room.' Each time the runner hears this he can extend a shuffle step farther.
Remind runners at 1st, 2nd and 3rd to watch the pitcher's feet.
Remind the runner at 3rd to lead off in foul territory and return in fair. As he returns to the base he should not take his eyes off the ball or turn his back on the ball.
Remind the runner to take the correct leadoff at 3rd- 3 steps, 2 shuffles and a 3-step walking lead as the pitcher's front foot hits the ground. The runner's right foot should plant at the instant the ball reaches the catcher's glove.
Remind the runner at 3rd when the pitcher is pitching from the windup. He can then take a 5 step walking lead.
Remind the runner at 3rd to hustle back to the base on all fly balls so he can tag up.
Remind the runner(s) to read the ball in the dirt. They must take the responsibility when to advance. If the coach tells them it is usually too late.
THIRD BASE COACH RESPONSIBILITIES (PART II)
This is the second of two parts listing the duties of a third base coach.
Make sure both batter and runner sees the 'squeeze play' sign. The batter should use an indicator to signal the runner that he has seen the sign.
When a runner is rounding 2nd signal him to advance or go back.
Remind the runner on 2nd when the ball is behind him.
Make all verbal and physical signs demonstrative loud and clear. Use urgency, excitement and enthusiasm in your voice.
If there is a play at 3rd visually show the runner which side of the bag to slide on.
Give voice commands on a tag up play.
Use mental errors and mistakes as teaching opportunities.
Develop a set of verbal cues that players can become accustomed to.
Remind runners that can be forced, to go hard on all ground balls.
Remind runners of infield fly possibility.
With 2 outs remind runner at 2nd not to run into the out if the shortstop or 3rd baseman fields a ground ball. Pause and make him throw it across to first base.
Encourage the hitter. Use consistent verbal cues.
Remind the runners to locate the outfielders before the ball is pitched.
Remind runner(s) to 'freeze' on a line drive.
With 2 outs, remind the runner at second to 'score' on a base hit. You want him to run full speed at the crack of the bat.
Make split-second judgement decisions.
Be alert during the opponents' pre-game outfield-infield to their strengths and weaknesses and use that information to make game decisions.
Check the infield to see how they are playing.
Remind the base runner of the importance of his run.
Cup his hands to direct his voice when calling across the infield.
Teach.
Come join our forum! Great conversations!
Baseball Excellence offers a DVD tittled "Pitching Position One". Video covers all the plays a pitcher must Make to field his position and make them routinely. Click here to order the DVD
Click on the link to visit our Facebook page
