So, yeah... I'll do my best to keep 'em coming.
Strategy Index Volume 3: The Hot Corner
Third base is a very interesting position. The strategy and tactics needed to play the position are extremely straight forward (much more so than the middle infield positions), but the position is so physically demanding that it is often seen as one of the more difficult spots on the field.
The third baseman will usually rival the catcher for the strongest arm on the infield and will be in close running with the second baseman or short stop for the best range. What really makes a great third baseman however, is fast reflexes.
Read and React
Third basemen will usually be a step or two behind the middle infielders in terms of pure foot speed, as the position doesn't provide as much running range, but this is made up for by fast reflexes. As opposed to balls hit past second base (127' from home) that may allow the defender to take 3 to 5 steps when trying to make the play, hard hit balls to third (90' from home), rarely leave time for the defender to take more than a step or two before the ball is on top of him. This makes it very important that the defender gets a fast first step.
Don't try to guess which way the batter will hit the ball, because doing so could cause you to lean in one direction (slowing your reaction time on balls hit to your other side), or even take a false step. As the pitch is delivered focus on the batter and make sure that your weight is balanced. This way you will see the ball as soon as it leaves the bat (improving your reaction time) and you will be able to move equally well in any direction.
Down the Line
The third baseman's first priority is defending the ball hit down the thirdbase line. I usually line up 10 to 15 feet away from the bag and two or three steps behind it, as that's where I feel that I can get to a hard hit ball down the line. This is exactly where I was playing when Scott got that infield hit a couple of weeks ago. I got to the ball (it was right down the line) and make the throw, but he beat it by a step. You must line up according to your own lateral range. If there's a hitter at the plate who I think may hit it softly (or a left handed batter) I'll walk up 10-15 feet and inch closer to the bag. I do this because I don't want to have a ball die in front of me for a basehit (like Chris' did on Sunday
), but I also want to maintain my range to the foul line.The Throw Home
One additional responsibility of the thirdbaseman is as the cut-off man on a throw from the left field corner to home plate. Most of the time the short stop will be the cut off man, but if the ball is hit to the third baseman's right (i.e. down the line) it becomes his responsibility to relay the throw home.
Extra Innings: Directing The Relay
One thing I've noticed in our group is that we do a terrible job of directing our relay men. We all know that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line but, we seem to forget that we want to make all our throws the shortest possible distance when there is going to be a close play. On top of telling our 2Bs/SSs where they'll be throwing the ball, we want to direct them so they in terms of how online they are. When you're defending a base where there'll be a close play you want your cut-off man to be halfway between you and the OF on a straight line. Seeing that the cut-off man will have his back turned to you, you'll have to direct him as he's running out. Yell to him to move "left!", "right!", "in!" or "out!" until he's inline for a perfect throw. Also, if it's clear that he won't have a play, make sure you yell "no throw!" so your team doesn't risk an error or a runner advancing on an unneccisary throw.
===
so, uh... yeah. I left out details on fielding ground balls because I think it would be better to go over that when discussing the middle infielders.
Hope you all enjoyed it, learned something, realized how amazingly awesome I am...
Back to work for me.
