THE THREE IN ONE DRILL

PART II – SET II

SET II

First baseman to shortstop to pitcher covering first base/double play. Catcher’s field bunts and throws to third base.

I. Purpose

• To teach the first baseman to throw to second base accurately and correctly.
• To teach the shortstop to be in the correct position to receive the first baseman’s throw.
• To teach the pitcher to cover first base and receive the shortstops throw.
• To teach the catchers to field the bunt correctly and to throw to third base…simulating the bunt situation with runners on first and second bases.

First Baseman to shortstop to pitcher covering first base double play (3 to 6 to 1 double play.)

II. Procedure

• First baseman at first base as if holding a runner
• Shortstop in position.
• Pitcher on the rubber in a SET POSITION delivers baseball to the catcher.
• Coach (with baseball in hand) fungoes ground ball to first baseman.

III. Coaching Points

• First Baseman
1. Fields ground and starts double play by throwing the ball to shortstop covering second base.
2. Initial throw to the shortstop should be on the infield side of second base to avoid hitting the base runner.
3. Chest high throw to shortstop.
4. Left-handed first baseman take a step toward infield to clear the runner and have an unobstructed throw to second base…don’t throw over the runner.
5. Right-handed first baseman should use a “cross-back step,” to clear the runner and have an unobstructed throw to second base…don’t throw over the base runner.
• Shortstop
1. Give the first baseman an inside target.
2. Left foot on the third base side of second base…both hands shoulder high and body square to first baseman.
3. Yells “inside!”  To give first baseman a verbal target.
4. Receives first baseman’s throw with hands chest high and hands are thumb to thumb.
5. Takes a short step forward with the right foot (left foot is on the base) makes the catch, and returns throw to first base.
• Pitcher
1. Runs directly to first base and squares his body up toward second base.
2. Plays the base like a first baseman.
3. Strides to meet the ball with glove-side foot.
4. Delays stride until ball has been released and its direction has been determined.
5. Tags the base with the ball of the throwing hand side foot not with the side of the foot.

Catcher’s fielding practice:  This drill enables the catchers to practice fielding bunts and throwing to third base.  This drill simulates the catcher’s fielding responsibility in a first and second sacrifice bunt situation.

IV: Procedure

• The catcher assumes the catching stance behind home plate and prepares to field the bunt and throw the baseball to third base…this is done after the coach fungoes the baseball to the first baseman (3-6-1 double play) which is the other half of the drill.
• Have a second catcher, team manager, or assistant coach stand behind the first catcher and roll the baseball in front of home plate, simulating a bunted ball.  The baseball may be rolled in any direction in front of home plate.
• Catcher fields the bunt and throws the baseball to third base.
• Third baseman assumes sacrifice bunt defensive position and stance…retreats to third base to receive the catcher’s throw.

V. Coaching Points

• Catcher
1. Short bunts often “spin like a top.”
2. Baseball must be fielded by placing the mitt in front of the ball and scooping the ball into it.
3. Blocking the baseball with the mitt “kills the spin” on the ball.  It also forces the catcher to “keep his eye on the ball.”
4. Baseball should not be picked up barehanded.
5. Chest should be over the baseball when picking it up.
• Third Baseman
1. Tags the base with the ball of his throwing hand side foot (right foot) and not with side of the foot.  This guarantees solid contact with the base.
2. Strides to meet the ball with glove side foot.
3. Stride is delayed until the ball has been released and its location and direction have been determined.

Good Luck!

Remember to look for PART II – SETS 3, & 4 in our next JNL Newsletters.