Hit-and-run and run-and-hit

Setup

1. A coach throws batting practice from behind an L-screen in front of the mound. The coach stays behind the screen after every pitch.
2. A catcher in full gear (helmet with mask, throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, cup) receives every pitch. Batter and runners wear helmets.
3. Infield (1B, 2B, SS, 3B) and a right fielder play live. Other hitters wait in a safe area behind a fence or screen, well clear of the swing zone.
4. The third-base coach (or the head coach) gives the signs: hit-and-run, run-and-hit, or take.
5. Agree who covers second on a steal before each hitter: usually the 2B against a right-handed batter and the SS against a left-hander.

How it runs

1. Each hitter gets 4–6 reps with a runner on first, swapping between the two plays on the coach's sign.
2. Hit-and-run: R1 breaks on the release. The batter must swing at the pitch, whatever it is, and try to hit it on the ground, ideally through the hole left by the infielder covering second.
3. Run-and-hit: R1 steals on the release. The batter swings only at a strike they can drive; on a ball they take, and the runner has the steal.
4. Play every ball out: fielders make the play, the runner reads the ball off the bat and goes first to third on a single to right.
5. Rotate: batter becomes the runner, the runner goes to the field, a fielder joins the hitting queue.

Coaching points

• Hit-and-run: the swing protects the runner. Shorten up, stay on top of the ball and hit it on the ground; a pop-up or line drive can double the runner off.
• A pitch in the dirt or way off the plate: still make an effort to swing and foul it off, so the catcher's throw is harder.
• Use the coverage: against a right-handed batter the 2B usually covers, opening the right side; hitting it behind the runner moves them to third.
• Runner: on a hit-and-run, take a quick peek toward home after 3–4 strides to see where the ball went. On a line drive, stop and get back.
• Run-and-hit suits hitters' counts (2-0, 3-1) where the pitcher has to throw a strike.
• Batter: stay in the box and do not step across the plate toward the catcher's throw; that is interference (check your competition's rules).

Common mistakes

• Batter taking a big swing for the fences and lifting a fly ball.
• Batter giving the play away by squaring up early or opening the stance.
• Runner not peeking in and getting doubled off on a line drive.
• Running a hit-and-run on a 0-2 count, when the pitcher can waste a pitch.
• Batter swinging at a ball on the run-and-hit.