Rundowns

When a runner is trapped between bases, a rundown occurs. To successfully execute a rundown, defensive players must use a plan to control the runner’s movements and apply a tag before the runner returns safely to the base.

A rundown occurs in one of three different rundown zones. The first zone is between first and second base. The second zone is between second and third base. The third zone is between third base and home base. To initiate the rundown plan, the infielders within each zone become the first primary defenders. Primary defenders are called the chaser and the receiver. Other fielders, including the pitcher and outfielders, move quickly to secondary or backup positions. For example, in the situation where a runner is trapped between first and second base, the second baseman is typically the chaser and the first baseman the receiver. The pitcher and right fielder are backup fielders at first base, and the shortstop and center fielder are backup fielders at second base.

After the rundown is started, the goal is to tag the runner with one throw or less.

The rundown plan:

1. Get the ball in front of the runner.
   The first rundown rule is to get the ball in front of the runner; stop the runner's advance.
2. Nearest infielders move to chaser and receiver positions.
3. Close the gap.
   Both the chaser and the receiver move away from their respective bases toward the runner and narrow the length of the rundown zone. Both players remain on the inside of the base path (the side closest to the infield grass). The receiver seeks to be in a position to apply the tag a few feet up the base line away from the base.
4. Chaser charges the runner aggressively at full-speed.
   With the ball held head high, the chaser runs (not jogs) directly at the runner, forcing the runner to retreat at full-speed toward the receiver.
5. Chaser runs on the glove-hand side of the tagger.
   To avoid throwing the ball over the head of the runner, the chaser should be positioned on the glove-hand side of the receiver.
6. Receiver calls for the ball.
   When the chaser has forced the runner to retreat far enough to be tagged, the receiver shouts "Ball" to indicate the chaser is to throw the ball now! With the mitt pocket held toward the chaser, the receiver provides a good chest-high target for the throw.
7. Toss the ball.
   This is a short snap-throw or toss. So it can be easily caught, the chaser tosses the ball to the receiver’s glove-hand target. The receiver steps to the ball to make the catch and cuts down the runner’s escape space
8. Chaser peels back.
   As soon as the toss is made, the chaser peels away (into the infield grass and circles back toward the base where the chase began. The chaser runs around to a backup position behind the first backup infielder. The first secondary fielder moves away from base and up the base line into a primary position. If the rundown continues, the secondary fielder will become the receiver at this base.
9. Tag the runner firmly at the waist.
   Make the tag with the ball held firmly in the bare hand. To prevent the runner from ducking the tag, apply the tag at the runner’s waist. Avoid tagging the runner’s chest, shoulders, or head.
10. Backup players are alert and ready to participate.
    In the event the receiver’s signal was too early or too late, and the rundown continues, the backup players are ready to move into the primary chaser and receiver positions. Try to complete the rundown with just one more throw.