Situation hub
First-and-third defense
First-and-third defense is a communication play. The defense must control the runner at third while deciding whether to throw through, cut the ball, or create a rundown on the runner from first.
When to use it
When to teach this family
- Use these plays when runners are on first and third and the offense may steal second.
- Teach them before games so the catcher, middle infielders, pitcher, and corners share the same call.
- Review them when the defense gives up home by chasing the runner from first too aggressively.
Common mistakes
What to watch
- Throwing through to second without checking the runner at third.
- Cut players drifting too deep to redirect the ball home.
- Corners relaxing because the ball is going toward second.
- Pitchers failing to back up the plate when the play redirects home.
5 plays
Concrete plays in this family
-
Steal | Second base
First-and-third defense with steal of 2nd
The catcher starts a throw toward second, shortstop cuts it, and the defense redirects home if the runner from third breaks.
1B, 3B | 1 out -
First-and-third | Second base
First-and-third throw through to 2nd
The defense throws through to second because the runner from third stays anchored and the stealing runner can be tagged.
1B, 3B | 1 out -
First-and-third | Second base
First-and-third 2B cut and throw home
Second base cuts the steal throw in front of the bag and redirects home when the runner from third breaks.
1B, 3B | 1 out -
First-and-third | Second base
First-and-third pump fake keeps runner at 3rd
The catcher shows the throw, freezes the runner at third, and keeps the ball when home is the priority.
1B, 3B | 0 outs -
First-and-third | Second base
First-and-third delayed steal rundown
The trail runner stops between first and second, but the defense runs the play toward second while the plate stays protected.
1B, 3B | 1 out