High school
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
Four Essential First-and-Third Defensive Plays
Catching Made Simple teaches the four core 1st-and-3rd defensive options the catcher controls: throw through to second, middle-infield cut, direct throw to third, and pump/fake variations.
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 15 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Team
Coaching notes
Live situational work where the catcher calls and executes the four standard defensive responses when the runner at first steals with a runner at third, training communication and quick decision-making.
Objectives
Give the defense clear, practiced options so first-and-third no longer creates chaos.
Coaching cues
Strong, clear signs; throw through for the out at second when the runner at third is held; cut if the runner breaks; direct to third when the lead is large; use fakes to freeze the runner.
Steps
- 1. Call the play with strong signs
- 2. Execute throw-through to second
- 3. Middle-infield cut variation
- 4. Direct throw to third
- 5. Pump-fake and hold options
Source:
Catching Made Simple
