Rundown Assignments vs. "Hotbox"

It has been my experience that kids love a game of "hot box" more than almost any other drill (except hitting off the Juggs). It is particular important for the young ones (9U) to learn the proper way to execute the rundown. [Never really liked that term - for in practice, the less "running" you do, the better!] It is something that we practice as the next-to-last thing before quitting (base running drills are last).

Basically there are two general guidelines that I use, and two scenarios:

The guidelines:

1. The very worst thing you want to happen is to have the runner advance from the base he left safely. NEVER give him the next base.
2. Throw the ball as little as possible (preferably only once).

The scenarios:
1. Pitcher/catcher have the ball, and a runner is between bases.
2. The ball is in the hands of a fielder in front of the runner.

In scenario one, with the runner "hung up" (or teasing) between bases, the pitcher (who has the ball) turns and jogs slowly toward the runner, forcing him to commit. When his back is turned and he is running, then throw the ball (the one throw) to the base he is going to. If he freezes when approached, simply continue jogging toward him with the ball until he moves. Same general rule applies to the catcher, though it is more difficult for him to move toward the runner. [In 9U, if he returns the ball to the pitcher, the runner will take the next base - so it is imperative for him to ensure that the runner return to his original base - at least.]

In scenario two, the strategy is identical. The fielder (who has the ball "in front" of the runner simply jogs toward the "hung-up" runner with the ball, forcing him to return to the base he left. Jogging, rather than high-speed running is important, for you can't expect 9 YO's to run fast and throw at the same time. The throw is made only when the runner turns his back and runs away from the ball. Again, only one throw should be required.

I discourage any actual "rundowns", for they frequently result in total chaos - especially among the younger ones.

I know this isn't a "classical" to the issue, but it works for the younger ones.