Proper Rundown Assignments
By: Scott R.Paul,
Good explanation on the rundown (aka; "pickle") but I'd like to add a few pointers that I have my players remember.
(1) If running down between 1B and 2B make sure the throw to second is thrown as soon as possible (so the runner doesn't advance) and have either the SS or 2B throwers "run" the runner back further to 1B.
(2) Have your players hold the ball up above their head while running down the player so its a toss not a throw. Thats where a lot of balls get misguided.
(3) I make sure my players "toss" to the glove side of the player receiving the ball and not over the head of the runner.
(4) The circle around after the throw is important so the basepath is not blocked after the throw.
(5) My pitcher backs up the catcher at homeplate, while the SS and 3B cover the 3B end of the play.