Tag play situations

Steal of 3rd with catcher throw

The catcher throws to third, the corner receives with the ball first, and the runner is tagged before reaching the bag.

Starting look Starting spots Start with a runner on 2nd, 1 out, and the defense in its ready spots before the tag play to third base.

Coaching point

Beat the runner to third with the ball and keep the tag in front of the base.

  • 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 throws through the third-base target as soon as the steal is confirmed.

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.