Baseball Situations

Short visual baseball tactics for kids, parents, and coaches.

Hits to the outfield

Single to right with runners on 1st and 2nd

The defense protects third and home while keeping the relay lane organized behind a single to right.

Situation

Runners
1B, 2B
Outs
1 out
Play type
Single
Ball location
Right field

Coaching focus

Stop the lead runner from scoring and keep the hitter to one base.

Teach one job at a time, then run the steps again until every player can say the assignment out loud.

Play it out

Step views

3 simple steps for this play.

Step 1

Ball to right

Right field attacks the ball while the rest of the defense builds the safety net.

Ball Support 3B backup 3B Home backup P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF
  • RF: Charge the ball and get it under control.
  • CF: Slide toward right-center as the deep backup.
  • LF: Sprint behind third base in case the throw gets away.
  • 3B: Get to the bag early and show a target.
  • P: Run behind home plate to protect the backstop.

Step 2

Relay lane forms

Middle infielders line up the relay while the corners stay home on their bags.

Cut Trail 1B Plate P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF
  • SS: Move into the main cutoff lane from right field.
  • 2B: Trail the relay and watch the runner trying for second.
  • 1B: Return to first base as the safety outlet.
  • C: Set up at the plate and call the throw if it comes home.

Step 3

Play finishes

The defense gives the throw a clear target at third or home and stays behind the play.

Tag Bag Backup Backup P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF
  • C: Receive the throw at home if the lead runner tries to score.
  • 3B: Hold third base for a force or tag play.
  • LF: Stay behind third as the last line of defense.
  • P: Keep backing up the plate until the play is over.

Know every job

Per-position instructions

RF Right Field

Field the ball cleanly and make a quick, accurate throw in.

CF Center Field

Move behind right field as deep support and keep extra bases from happening.

LF Left Field

Back up third base every time the throw could go there.

3B Third Base

Own the third-base bag and be ready for the first hard throw.

SS Shortstop

Be the main cutoff unless a coach calls another relay.

2B Second Base

Trail the relay and protect second base behind the play.

1B First Base

Return to first as the safety valve if the throw is cut off.

P Pitcher

Sprint behind home plate and stay there until the play ends.

C Catcher

Communicate loudly and set the target at home plate.