First & Third

First & Third: Run-and-Hold

Trap R1 in a rundown; hold R3 at third

The runner on first takes off. Instead of throwing it around, the defense traps him in a rundown between first and second — and holds the runner at third the whole time.

Speed

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Ball Bag Backup

Coaching notes

Key point

Run-and-hold: trap the runner from first in a rundown but NEVER lose sight of the runner at third — the rundown's whole job is to hold him.

Drill

First-and-third with R1 stealing: the defense executes the rundown while a coach sends R3 on any careless throw — punish the lapse.

Watch for

Defenders chasing the rundown with their backs to third — one fielder always faces the runner at third.