How to Stop a Lead Runner

Stopping a lead runner is important whether he is your teammate or an opponent. As a base coach, stopping the lead runner prevents him from being thrown out and keeps the inning going for another hitter. As a fielder, throwing to the right base stops the lead runner from getting closer to scoring, increasing your chances of winning. While both instances share importance, each has a different way of being implemented.

Instructions

  1. Base Coach

    • 1

      Know where the lead runner is before the pitch and locate him after the ball is in play. Typically, a third base coach will be following lead runners on first base or second base.

    • 2

      See where the ball is hit while maintaining a visual on the lead runner. A lead runner on first base should immediately look at you on a ball hit to right field. If he should stop at second base, put both arms up in the air with hands up.

    • 3

      Make a determination whether to stop a runner or send him home if he is running to third base. If you want him to stop and hit the base standing up, put both arms up in the air. If he needs to slide into third base on a close play, put your arms out in front of you parallel to the ground and wave up and down.

    Fielder

    • 4

      Know where the lead runner is before the pitch and have an idea where you want to throw the ball if it is hit to you. Generally, you want to throw the ball two bases ahead of where the player starts.

    • 5

      Field the ball and locate the lead runner. If he is going from first base to second base, throw the ball to third base or the cutoff man to stop the runner at second. A cutoff man should be in the shallow outfield awaiting your throw. If you throw behind the runner to first or second base, the runner will have an easier opportunity to go to third base.

    • 6
      Outfielders who field the ball at the wall should immediately locate the cutoff man.

      Throw the ball to the cutoff man if you have to field the ball in the gap or deep toward the wall. A cutoff man gives you a shorter target and will have a good idea where to throw the ball to stop the lead runner.