RUN DOWNS-TWO
THROWS
There are times
when it will be necessary to make more then one throw. Usually it is when the
runner is ‘picked off’ by the pitcher and the runner immediately sprints toward
the next base. When this happens follow these steps:
1. The ‘Thrower’
must immediately throw the ball to the ‘Receiver – don’t run at the runner.
2. The ‘Thrower’
must take one step to the inside or outside – before throwing the ball – so
that he is not in a direct line with the ‘Receiver’ or the runner.
3. The ‘Receiver’
gets in front of the bag and takes the throw – he now becomes the ‘Thrower’
and follows the steps as outlined in the ‘One Throw’ process:
- Get the runner running
at full speed
- Show the ‘Receiver’
the ball by taking it out of your glove and raise it above your shoulder
- Toss the ball with
a stiff wrist
- Toss the ball to the
‘receivers’ chest
- The ‘Receiver’ positions
himself in front of the base
- The ‘Receiver’ calls
for the ball by yelling NOW!.
- As the ‘Receiver’ calls
NOW! he takes a step toward the runner as he is catching the ball.
Important Points to Remember:
- Never fake a throw
– the only person you fake is the ‘receiver"
- Always back up – i.e.;
after the pitcher picks the runner off at first, he must cover first base
and back up the first baseman
- After throwing the
ball get out of the baseline – don’t interfere with the runner
- Follow your throw –
rotate to the next base and be prepared to be part of the play again
- The only time its all
right for the ‘Thrower’ to be early with his throw is a play between third
and home. If the throw is too early and that gives the runner change to
change directions, be sure the direction is back towards third.