Ball, base, back-up (BBB)

This drill teaches players the fundamental rule of Coordinated Team Defensive Play: (1) Ball, (2) Base, (3) Back-up. Beyond the immediate benefit of training the three players on the side of the infield, where the ball is hit, to coordinate their responsibilities, and train the outfielder to aggressively move and participate in the play, it establishes the mindset and habit of movement and ‘thinking’ the game.

The mindset and habits established in the 3 Players, 1 Base Drill carries over to all other situations in the game.

Following the catch at the base, the player aggressively shuffles off the base, in a Power Position, towards the middle of the infield, ‘Looking for Other Runners’.

(Regardless of the drill situation, following any play at a base, we want our players to always come off the base immediately after making the play.  We are creating the habit of being aware that there may be other runners involved in the game looking to advance to the next base.  This habit leads to our fielders maintaining control over the game, and making it clear to the players on the other team that we are always prepared to make a throw if they choose to take the risk of advancing)

There are a variety of combinations for running the 3 Players, 1 Base Drill.  Many are illustrated below.

Note: If you are at the Coach/Machine Pitch level, consider for your first practice or two, to run the Ball or Base Drill (found below this section).  This primes the kids up to the concept of moving/running. We need our kids locked into the idea that when they aren’t getting the ball, they are needed to Run from their position to another spot on the field.

The basic concept of this drill is, there are three players on each side of the field (the two infielders and the Pitcher, who always breaks towards the corner base on the side of the field the ball is hit).  Each of those three is responsible for one of the three defensive responsibilities:

1.  Ball

2.  Base

3.  Backup

Whenever possible include a Left Fielder or a Right Fielder in the drill.  That player develops the habit of always sprinting towards the ball (I am going to GO GET the ball mindset).  They also learn that there are circumstances when the ball is hit so so softly that it will not get out of the infield.  Once they recognize this, they route themselves to get into position to back-up.

Note: Some of these plays can be difficult to execute when the batter is a fast runner. Speed is difficult to defend. We won’t get the out every time; that is baseball/softball.

The first example of the drill has a detailed explanation. The info following subsequent drills only address the points unique to that situation and or provide details in a less formal format.

Keep in mind, when setting up this drill and assigning each player a responsibility, that in many game situations, initially, two players will go after the ball until it is recognized which will actually field the ball. 

We need to alert the players of the situation in advance of each drill repetition of where we are going to direct the ball.  We especially need to make it clear, when we are going to deliver a ball between players, which one we want to field the ball for that repetition. It is recommended that the same situation is run multiple times before changing to a new situation.  In a given practice, assuming 5-10 minutes running the drill, we will only address 2-3 different situations.

Avoid the temptation of ‘tricking’ the players by running these drills without alerting the players in advance of the situation they are practicing.  When the players know in advance what they are doing, they can execute at full speed, have greater success, get more repetitions and build confidence.  (This also eliminates the possibility of more aggressive players messing up the situation we are trying to create/teach.)

[Possibly later in the season, when the players are well-schooled in their responsibilities, we can challenge them by tossing out a ground ball without telling them where the ball is going to go. But it is recommended to always prep the players in advance of what we want to be working on; keep in mind that we have limited time and want good reps.]

Most of these plays have the players using an Underhand Toss. The drill diagrams do not illustrate the tossing player ‘Following Their Head’ (continuing to run towards their target after making the toss). This is so the diagrams remain as clean as possible when viewing.

Note: In instances where the player covering the base has not yet tuned to face the player with the ball, the tossing player continues running towards the base until they see that the receiving player is ready to take the throw.

***If you are working with a Coach Pitch or Machine Pitch group, it is recommended that the ‘Pitcher’ be referred to as the ‘Runner’. At this level of play that position never ‘Pitches’, but they do Run a lot

Whenever we run drills involving a ball hit to the first base side of the infield ALWAYS set out a bucket, 10’-15’ from the first base bag, to represent the runner. Seeing the bucket there is a constant reminder of the possibility for a collision. Anytime a player is crossing into foul territory, to back-up, they learn to look out for the runner.

Tell the players in advance who the ball is going to; the other players, when the ball is delivered by the coach, sprint to fulfill their defensive responsibilities.

This is a routine ground ball to the Second Baseman. Basic; it is pretty straight forward who is responsible for Ball, Base, and Back-up.

The pitcher breaks directly toward the first base bag.  Only after they see the base is being covered do they redirect their path to back-up (never assume).  The Pitcher must run behind the base runner coming up the line.

OBJECTIVES

The Pitcher understands when a ball is hit in the infield, and they don’t field the ball or cover a base, they get into position to Back-up.  Plays on the first base side require the Pitcher to Go Behind the Runner (to avoid a collision).

The Right Fielder recognizes their responsibility to GO GET the BALL every time it is hit in front of them. This drill has the ball fielded by a player in the infield.  In a game, the ball often gets past the infielders; we want outfielders fielding the ball as close to the infield (bases & base runners) as possible.

TEACH

• Three defensive responsibilities: (1) Ball   (2) Base   (3) Back-up

• Baseball is a ‘sprinting game’.   The players not fielding the ball sprint full speed to fulfill their defensive responsibilities.

DRILL

Coach: Roll a ground ball to the first base side* of the Second Baseman.  Instruct the Pitcher to NOT field the ball.

Second Baseman: Field the ball under control. Speed up and run towards the base and deliver the ball using an Underhand toss.

First Baseman: Sprint to cover the base ‘With Your Eyes’.

Pitcher: Sprint towards first base, then break into foul ground, going behind the Runner/Bucket.  Get in-line with the throw.

Right Fielder: Sprint to the ball until it is cleanly fielded.  Then break towards a Backing-up position. (Unless the Pitcher falls down, which can happen, the Right Fielder won’t be needed to back-up the play.

*The ball can also be delivered to the right of the second baseman giving them the opportunity to make a longer, overhand throw (and increase the chances that the player Backing-up gets involved in the play).

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of 1b and 2b.

We instruct the First Baseman (1b) to ‘go after the ball, but don’t field it’. We are simulating a situation where 1b is drawn away from 1B in an attempt to field the ball (which we always want them doing aggressively in games). We also instruct the Pitcher to not field the ball.

1b then turns back, to the home plate side of 1B, and sprints to foul territory (behind the runner/bucket), in line with the throw from 2b, to Back-up the throw.

Pitcher (P) breaks hard for the ball. Because they didn’t field the ball, they continue in the same direction and sprints to cover the Base.

Second Baseman (2b) fields the Ball to their left, continues their momentum towards 1B, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).

[Rule of Thumb: ground balls to 2b’s left, in most cases (on the 60’/70’ diamond), are delivered to 1B using an Underhand Toss.

Right Fielder (RF) sprints towards the ball (are we sure it is going to be caught by an infielder in a game??)

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of 2b and 1b; hit hard enough to easily pass P, but slowly enough that 1b can get to the ball.

We instruct the Second Baseman (2b) to ‘go after the ball’ (which we always want them doing aggressively in games).

2b is now out of the play, which is why we need the outfielder trained to always sprint towards ground balls hit in front of them.

First Baseman (1b) breaks hard for the ball; fields the Ball, Turns Glove Side, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).  Peels off to the infield side of 1B.

(1b hollers, “Mine!”, communicating to 2b that 1b can field the ball. 1b is the subordinate player; they have their back to the base. When players are communicating on who will play the ball, the subordinate player uses the phrase ‘Mine’, the dominant player, who is facing the base, uses the phrase, “Get Out!”.)

Pitcher (P) sprints to the Base.

Right Fielder (RF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of P and 1b; but more to a spot that puts 1b in a better position to field the ball.

Second Baseman (2b) sprints to the Base.

First Baseman (1b) breaks hard for the ball; fields the Ball, Turns Glove Side, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).  Peels off to the infield side of 1B.

(1b hollers, “Mine!”, communicating to P that 1b can field the ball. 1b is the subordinate player; they have their back to the base. When players are communicating on who will play the ball, the subordinate player uses the phrase ‘Mine’, the dominant player, who is facing the base, uses the phrase, “Get Out!”.)

We instruct the Pitcher (P) to ‘go after the ball’ (which we always want them doing aggressively in games …but not field the ball in this drill).  P is now out of the play, which is why we need the outfielder trained to always sprint towards ground balls hit in front of them.

Right Fielder (RF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

This play has a weakly hit ball a bit to the Pitcher’s (P) left. It is clear that P is the player fielding the ball.

First Baseman (1b) sprints to the Base.

Pitcher (P) fields the Ball to their left, continues their momentum towards 1B, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’), but peels off to the infield side of the base to avoid getting in the path of the Base Runner.

Second Baseman (2b) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

Right Fielder (RF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of P and 1b.

We instruct the First Baseman (1b) to ‘go after the ball, but don’t field it’. We are simulating a situation where 1b is drawn away from 1B in an attempt to field the ball (which we always want them doing aggressively in games).

1b is now out of the play, which is why we need the outfielder trained to always sprint towards ground balls hit in front of them.

Pitcher (P) breaks hard for the ball; fields the Ball, continues their momentum towards 1B, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).  Peels off to the infield side of 1B.

(If P sees that they and 1b will arrive at the ball at about the same time, P hollers, “Get Out!”, communicating to 1b that P is going to field the ball. P is the dominant player in this situation; they are facing the base. 1b is the subordinate player; they have their back to the base.)

Second Baseman (2b) sprints to the Base.

Right Fielder (RF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

3 Players, 1 Base Drill (Balls to the Third Base Side)

At our level of play we are often in a situation with runners on first and second with less than two outs. This sets up the potential for a force out at third base.  However, many teams do not take advantage of the opportunity (or prepare for it).

There are two solid reasons to pursue a force out at third base:

1. There are instances where it is the easiest play

2. Keeping a runner off third gives us breathing room. In the case of a Wild Pitch or Passed Ball we are not giving up a run.

(At the 11-12 year old level, when we have a pitcher who can throw a good off-speed pitch, when there is no base runner at third, they can throw their off-speed pitch without fear of giving up a run if that pitch were to get past the catcher. Maintaining that pitch as a legitimate option makes the pitcher more effective.)

We don’t have as many options on this side of the diamond as when balls are hit to the first base side. On the first base side we are going after the batter who doesn’t get started as quickly as a base runner starting from a base. Also, the Shortstop is usually one of our stronger athletes, so they are positioned deeper, and further away from the corner base. Give this positioning, it is challenging for them to get to third base, to take a throw, ahead of the base runner.

However, we still have four plays to work on that can produce an out on the lead runner going to third base: (1) 6-5 Play, (2) 6-1 Play, (3) 5-1 Play, (4) 1-5 Play.

Balls hit to the third base side, between the Pitcher and Third Baseman are where we need practice using the “Mine” - “Get Out!” system for ‘Ground Ball Communication’.

When two players are going after a ball hit between them, the player with their back to the base is subordinate. They call out, “Mine” to indicate they intend to field the ball. The dominate player is the one more facing the base. If they choose to make the play, they holler, “Get Out!”.

Tell the players in advance who the ball is going to; the other players, when the ball is delivered by the coach, sprint to fulfill their defensive responsibilities.

This is a routine ground ball to the Shortstop’s right. Basic; it is pretty straight forward who is responsible for Ball, Base, and Back-up.

The pitcher breaks directly toward the third base bag.  Only after they see the base is being covered do they redirect their path to back-up (never assume).  The Pitcher must run behind the base runner coming up the line.

OBJECTIVES

The Pitcher understands when a ball is hit in the infield, and they don’t field the ball or cover a base, they get into position to Back-up. 

The Left Fielder recognizes their responsibility to GO GET the BALL every time it is hit in front of them. This drill has the ball fielded by a player in the infield.  In a game, the ball often gets past the infielders; we want outfielders fielding the ball as close to the infield (bases & base runners) as possible.

TEACH

• Three defensive responsibilities: (1) Ball   (2) Base   (3) Back-up

• Baseball is a ‘sprinting game’.   The players not fielding the ball sprint full speed to fulfill their defensive responsibilities.

DRILL

Coach: Roll a ground ball to the third base side of the Shortstop.  Instruct the Pitcher to NOT field the ball.

Shortstop: Field the Ball under control. Speed up and run towards the base and deliver the ball using an Underhand Toss.

Third Baseman: Sprint to cover the Base ‘With Your Eyes’.

Pitcher: Sprint towards third base, when they see the Base is covered, break into foul ground to Back-up. Get in-line with the throw.

Left Fielder: Sprint to the ball until it is cleanly fielded.  Then break towards a Backing-up position. (Unless the Pitcher falls down, which can happen, the Left Fielder won’t be needed to back-up the play.

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of 3b and SS.

We instruct the Third Baseman (3b) to ‘go after the ball, but don’t field it’. We are simulating a situation where 3b is drawn away from 3B in an attempt to field the ball (which we always want them doing aggressively in games). We also instruct the Pitcher to not field the ball.

3b then turns back, to the home plate side of 3B, and sprints to foul territory, getting in line with the throw from SS, to Back-up the throw.

Pitcher (P) breaks hard for the ball. Because they didn’t field the ball, they continue in the same direction and sprints to cover the Base.

Shortstop (SS) fields the Ball to their right, continues their momentum towards 3B, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).

[Rule of Thumb: ground balls to SS’s right, in most cases (on the 60’/70’ diamond), are delivered to 3B using an Underhand Toss.

Left Fielder (RF) sprints towards the ball (are we sure it is going to be caught by an infielder in a game??)

This play has a ball splitting the difference between the positioning of 3b and SS; hit hard enough to easily pass P, but slowly enough that 3b can get to the ball.

We instruct the Shortstop (SS) to ‘go after the ball’ (which we always want them doing aggressively in games).

When SS clearly sees that 3b is getting to the ball, SS sprints to foul territory to Back-up.  Note: on this play it is rare for SS to make it to their Backing-up position prior to the throw being made. However, if they are sprinting and an overthrow occurs, they are well on their way to retrieving the ball.  They can get to it quick enough to deter the base runner from attempting to advance for home plate.

Third Baseman (3b) breaks hard for the ball; fields the Ball, Turns Glove Side, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’).  Peels off to the home plate side of 3B.

(3b hollers, “Mine!”, communicating to SS that 3b can field the ball. 3b is the subordinate player; they have their back to the base. When players are communicating on who will play the ball, the subordinate player uses the phrase “Mine”, the dominant player, who is facing the base, uses the phrase, “Get Out!”.)

Pitcher (P) sprints to the Base.

Left Fielder (LF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up. In this particular situation, SS can get delayed in moving towards a Backing-Up position. It does happen, in this situation, where LF ends up retrieving a missed throw.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

This play has a weakly hit ball a bit to the Pitcher’s (P) right. It is clear that P is the player fielding the ball.

Third Baseman (1b) sprints to the Base.

Pitcher (P) fields the Ball to their right, continues their momentum towards 3B, executes an Underhand Toss; continues towards the base after making the toss (‘Follow Your Head’), but peels off to the home plate side of the base to avoid getting in the path of the Base Runner.

Shortstop (SS) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

Left Fielder (LF) makes an aggressive step towards the ball (always), then sprints to foul territory to Back up.

(Usually we want the Outfielder to focus entirely on sprinting towards the infield on any ball hit in front of them. However, when it is clear the ball has no chance of getting past the infielders, we want the Outfielder to default to backing up.)

This is also for Coach/Machine Pitch. Preliminary drill; run before introducing 3 Players, 1 Base Drill.