THE THREE IN ONE DRILL

PART II – SET I

Part II of the Three in One Drill does not have to be run the same day as Part I. As the players become more familiar with the drill, the drill will run more efficiently, and will take less time to complete; thereby, making it more practical to practice both Part I and Part II (consecutively) during the same practice session.

SET I

Come Backers to the pitcher with throws to first and second bases. Catchers Throwing to third base with a right-handed hitter at bat.

I. Purpose

• To teach the pitchers to throw accurately to first and second bases when balls are hit back to them.
• To teach the catchers how to throw to third base correctly when a right-handed hitter is at bat and a steal of third base is attempted.
• To teach the middle infielders to cover second base correctly when receiving the pitcher’s throw.

II. Procedure

• Come Backers to the pitcher.
  1. All Pitchers have a baseball.
  2. Pitcher steps on the mound, delivers the ball to home plate, and prepares to field his position.
  3. Coach fungoes ball back to pitcher
     • Pitcher fields the baseball and throws to first base.
       • First baseman covers first base to receive pitcher's throw.
     • Pitcher fields the baseball and throws to second base.
       • Middle infielders cover second base.
       • Shortstop and second baseman alternate covering second base and receiving pitcher's throw.
       • Pitcher must "know" who will cover second base (runner on first base) before stepping on the pitching rubber.
     • After pitchers have practiced fielding and throwing to first base several times, they should practice throwing to second base.
       • When practicing fielding and throwing to second base, the pitchers should throw from the SET POSITION when delivering the ball to home plate to start the drill... Simulating a runner on first base.
  4. Middle Infielder Covering Second Base:
     • Shortstop squares up facing the pitcher slightly back of second base. This position allows the shortstop to establish lateral movement thereby increasing his range to catch errant throws from the pitcher. Accurate throws enable the shortstop to make the put out at second base and throw to first base using a normal double play pivot.
     • Second Baseman squares up facing the pitcher and straddling second base. This position allows the second baseman to establish lateral thereby increasing his range to catch errant throws from the pitcher. Accurate throws enable the second baseman to make the put out at second base and throw to first base using a normal double play pivot.
• Coaching Points
  1. Pitcher:
     • Throwing to first base:
       • Field the ball like an infielder
       • Turn to glove side, take rhythm step and make a nice firm throw.
     • Throwing to second base.
       • Know who is covering second base before stepping on to the rubber when there is a runner on first base and less than two outs.
       • Throw to second base not to the middle infielder.
       • Allow the middle infielder time to get to the base. If he is late, take another "crow hop" before throwing.
       • Try to make a chest high throw.
       • If throwing up the mound, be sure to follow through, get on top of the ball and be aware of your release point so as not to over throw second base�throw your throwing hand right at the target.
  2. Middle Infielder:
     • Let the pitcher know you have second base responsibility and will be covering the base. Do this before he steps on the rubber by getting his attention and then pointing at your chest with your index finger�runner on first base � less than two outs.
     • Cheat! That is, play closer to second base if second base is your responsibility�Rule of thumb: Three steps in and three steps over!
     • Get one out for sure! If the pitcher makes an inaccurate throw, leave the base and get the ball! Then come back and touch the base.
     • Remember your priority is Ball! Base! Backup!
• CATCHERS THROWING TO THIRD BASE with a right-handed hitter at bat… While pitchers are practicing Come Backers.
  1. Procedure:
     • Pitcher steps on the rubber and comes to the SET POSITION and prepares to field the "come backer" fungoed to him by the coach, and throwS to either first or second base.
     • b. The catcher receives the pitch and throws to third base, simulating a right-handed hitter at bat, and the runner on second base attempting a steal of third base.
  2. Coaching Points:
     • Never throw over the hitter!
     • Mentally split home plate in half!
       • Inside half of the plate: If the pitch is on the inside half of the plate, the catcher should throw "behind the hitter"�Use a "cross back step" with the right foot to clear the hitter.
       • Outside half of the plate: If the pitch is on the outside half of the plate, the catcher should throw in front of the hitter...Use your left arm to run the hitter out of the way and to protect your throwing arm.

Remember to look for PART II – SETS 2, 3, & 4 in our next JNL Newsletters.