Squeeze and slap-and-run plays

Setup

1. A pitcher or coach throws from behind an L-screen at your competition's distance. Pitcher and corner infielders should wear fielder face masks; bunts and slaps come at them quickly.
2. Defence: catcher in full gear, the four infielders and, for slap-and-run, the outfield.
3. Batters, runners and base coaches wear helmets with face guards. Waiting players stay behind the backstop.
4. Agree the signs you will use in games (from the coach to the batter and runner), and the answer sign that says the batter has it.

How it runs

1. Suicide squeeze (runner on third, fewer than two outs): the runner leaves on the pitcher's release and runs hard for home. The batter squares late and must bunt the pitch, wherever it is, onto the ground.
2. Safety squeeze: the runner takes a good walking start on the release but breaks for home only when the bunt is down and away from the pitcher and third baseman.
3. Slap-and-run (runner on first, left-side slapper): the runner goes on the release, and the slapper must put the ball on the ground to the left side, behind the moving shortstop or second baseman.
4. The coach gives a sign before each pitch; the defence does not know which play is on. Play every ball out to the end.
5. Run 3 or 4 reps of each play per batter, then rotate batter to runner to fielder.
6. Remind runners: they cannot leave the base before the pitch is released, or they are out (check your competition's rules).

Coaching points

• Suicide squeeze batter: square late, as the pitcher's arm comes forward, so the defence cannot react. The runner is depending on you; bunt anything.
• Bunt down the first-base line on the squeeze; it is the longest way for the defence to get to the runner.
• Runner on third: the first step comes with the release, not before. Watch the pitcher's hip and hand.
• Runner at home: slide or run through away from the catcher, and never run into a fielder holding the ball.
• Catcher: let the batter bunt (no reaching over the plate, which is interference), and do not stand in the base path without the ball (obstruction). Field the bunt or take the throw, then tag.
• Slap-and-run: the slapper's job is a ground ball, not a hit. A soft ball behind the runner is a success.

Common mistakes

• Squaring too early on the suicide squeeze, so the pitcher pitches out or throws high.
• Runner leaving before the release, or slowing down halfway because the bunt looked foul.
• Popping the bunt up; the runner is doubled off third.
• Slapper swinging over the top of the pitch so the runner is hung out to dry.
• Defence collision at the plate because the catcher blocked the path without the ball.