Tag play situations

Pickoff at 1st with runner diving back

The pitcher throws behind the runner, first base receives on the bag, and the tag is placed before the hand gets back.

Starting look Starting spots Start with a runner on 1st, 0 outs, and the defense in its ready spots before the tag play to first base.

Coaching point

Receive the pickoff before sweeping the tag down toward the bag.

  • Tag play situations
  • Tag play

Player jobs

Every defender's assignment

Teach the simple version first, then run the steps again until each player can say the job out loud.

P Pitcher

Back up the tag play if the ball could skip toward the plate or first base.

C Catcher

Catcher reads the pickoff and helps confirm whether the tag stayed on.

1B First Base

Stay available at first if the runner has to retreat or the ball comes back across.

2B Second Base

Cover or back up the tag lane when the play is moving through the middle.

SS Shortstop

Back up the tag lane and be ready to receive if the runner reverses.

3B Third Base

Cover third when the tag play can arrive there and keep the tag in front of the bag.

LF Left Field

Back up the left-side tag lane when the throw goes to third.

CF Center Field

Stay centered behind the play so overthrows do not keep rolling.

RF Right Field

Back up the first-base side when the tag play starts there.