How to do a Softball Rundown:
The baserunner should NEVER win in a baseball rundown (or “pickle”). If the play is executed properly, the defense should be able get the runner every time.
Rundown Basics: What is a Rundown? A baseball rundown, sometimes called a ‘pickle’, is when you have a base runner caught in between two bases.
-
Use the fewest number of throws possible.
The goal is to complete this play with two throws or less, because this cuts down on the potential for an errant throw. The key to doing this is to run hard at the baserunner, forcing herto commit, before making the throw to your partner.
-
Don’t let the runner advance.
If you have a base runner caught between bases and have choice to run her toward any base, make it the smaller base. (If between 1st and 2nd, run her to 1st, etc.)
-
Get the softball into your throwing hand.
You want the ball in your throwing so you can tag or throw quickly as well as to show your teammate receiving the throw where the ball is.
-
Choose your throwing path.
Both infielders, whether throwing the ball or receiving it, should get to the same side of the base runner. For example, both players get to the infield grass side. This will prevent the throw hitting the runner, and gives both thrower and receiver a clear line of sight.
-
Run toward the target.
If you have the softball, it is your job to run hard at the runner so that she can make a decision. If you run hard, the runner has to run hard and it is more difficult to stop and change directions. Make the runner commit and either tag her or give the ball up to the receiving infielder. If you are receiving the baseball, you should close the gap between you and your partner. This makes it more difficult for the runner to stop and get going the other direction before you can tag the runner. Also, this will keep the play in the middle of the bases and not close enough to where the runner can make an athletic slide and get in safely.
-
Follow your throw.
For example- If you are playing first base and you throw it to the shortstop, peel off and continue to second base. You will be in line behind the second baseman who is waiting for the next throw, and if the shortstop gives the baseball up, she goes to first base and gets in line. Your duty to follow your throw provides assurance that a fielder is always covering a base as the ball is exchange. Remember that ideally there should be limited throws in a rundown.
-
Get out of the baseline.
After you make a throw to another infielder, make sure to peel off and never cross the baseline. Stay out of the way of the runner. If the runner makes contact with any player from your team that doesn’t have the softball, the runner is automatically safe, so stay out of the baseline.
-
Communicate.
The receiving infielder should use a command like “now” when she wants to get the ball. This will help when closing the gap and hopefully when you give it up she can catch and tag right away.
-
Secure the ball for the tag.
When making a tag, keep the ball in your throwing hand but wrap your glove around your throwing hand. The ball is thus secured and less likely to come out if there is a little collision. Remember you have to tag the runner with the ball. You can’t have the ball in your throwing hand and tag her with your glove.
To Fake or not to Fake?
Pump fakes usually work. The problem is that you don’t only fake the runner -you usually fake out the receiving infielder. If you employ the pump fake, limit it to one.