Rundowns

Setup

1. Use first and second base. Two fielders at each base, in a line: a 1B and a P backing up at first, a 2B and an SS at second.
2. A runner in a helmet starts halfway between the bases. Spare runners wait in helmets by first base.
3. The 2B starts with the ball. A coach stands nearby to start each rep and judge the tags.

How it runs

1. The coach says 'Go'. The runner tries to reach either base safely.
2. The 2B runs hard at the runner with the ball held up, driving the runner back towards first.
3. When the runner is about 3–4 metres from the 1B, the 1B steps forward and calls 'Ball!'. The 2B throws chest-high and peels off to the side.
4. The 1B catches and tags the runner. If the runner turns back first, the fielders keep going, each one following a throw to the back of the line at the other base.
5. Rotate the fielders and runners after each rep. Count throws: the aim is out with one throw, two at most.

Coaching points

• Run the runner back towards the base they came from, so a mistake only costs that base.
• Ball held up beside the ear, ready to throw. No pump fakes: they fool your own teammate.
• Receiving fielder: step forward and call 'Ball!' so the throw is short and the tag is close.
• Throw to the side of the runner, not over the runner's head, so the receiver can see it.
• After throwing, peel out of the base path to the side. A fielder without the ball in the runner's path is obstruction.
• Tag with the ball in the glove, both hands, and hold on.

Common mistakes

• Throwing too early, so the runner simply changes direction and the dance starts again.
• Fielders standing in the base path without the ball and getting run into.
• Faking throws and fooling the teammate instead of the runner.
• Nobody covering the empty base behind the play.
• Runner running more than about a metre outside the base path to avoid a tag; that's out in most competitions.