Rundown Fundamentals

Set two bases sixty feet apart with a fielder at each and a line of runners and backup fielders behind them. Runners wear helmets. Start with a walking-speed rundown before running it live.

1. Runner starts halfway between the two bases; the fielder with the ball runs hard at them.
2. Fielder holds the ball up by the ear and pushes the runner back toward the base they came from.
3. Receiving fielder gives a target on the inside of the baseline so there is a clear throwing lane.
4. Fielder makes one firm dart throw when the runner commits; receiver catches and applies the tag.
5. Backups from both lines rotate in behind each base; every rundown should take one throw or fewer.