Coach Anthony Sarain

Base Running Points of emphasis.

Proper lead off EVERY TIME. When not stealing, lead off behind the base line
Be prepared to dive back: right hand tag outfield side of base, face turned away
Know the situation: must run or not.
Ground ball to outfield: Look for 2 bases.
Ground ball hit behind you: Always run.
Fly ball hit behind you, including foul ball: Tag up. Go if fielder turns her back to you.
Fly ball hit in front of you: Go part way.
When on 3rd base, lead off in foul territory, go back in fair territory.
Always advance as far as you can when trailing a rundown.

Sacrifice Bunt
Goal: Advance runner from 1st base to 2nd base
Set up at the front of the batters box
"Catch" the ball with the bat, drop the ball on the ground too far for the catcher to field.
Defense does not need to be surprised.
Bunt for Hit
Goal: Squeeze play to score runner from 3rd base
Normal stance
Must surprise the defense
DO NOT BUNT BACK TO THE PITCHER.
Slug Bunt
Goal: Advance runner from 2nd base, either by steal or hit, and get on base
Looks like a sacrafice bunt
Ball MUST be hit on the ground behind the runner
Push Bunt
Goal: Advance runner from 1st base to 2nd base
Looks like a sacrafice bunt
Ball is pushed to the empty spot where the 2nd baseman is normally positioned. Works when 2nd base is cheating towards first
Drag Bunt
Goal: Get on base, typically by fast, left handed batters

"Throw to a base"

Outfielders always throw to a base. Not a panicked throw to the closest player, not an undirected throw to the infield, not to the pitcher, not to the cutoff. Outfielders throw to the proper base to stop the advancing runner and throw low enough that a cutoff MAY be made.
"Be smart"

While batting, you have 3 balls and less then 2 strikes. You got the hit sign, but you should only swing if it is a meatball you can crush. You are looking to walk unless you KNOW you can hit the ball hard.
"Get the lead runner"

As an infielder, throw out the lead runner, but not at the expense of getting the batter out. If the ball is hit sharply to a player in the infield, you have time to check the lead runner. If you receive the ball as the runner approaches you, tag them out. This takes experience to know when to take a chance and when to play it safe.

"Look for two"

As a baserunner, unless there is a play on the base you are running to, round the base and look for a reason NOT to go to the next base. First choice is always to take two bases. If you are on base and you hear this right after a play, you know you didn't try for two when you should have.

"Lot's of outs to be made"

When runners are on base, a player should always be looking for the second or third out. Have a plan before the ball is pitched of what you will do if you can catch a baserunner in a mistake or just make a great play.

4/14/25	Testing
4/15/25	Hitting
4/16/25	Away game at Kearney High School
4/17/25	Defense
4/18/25	Home game vs High Tech High School