This animated situation book assumes the "most likely scenario," but it's important to remember that baseball isn't a "canned" game where every happens the way it's drawn out in practice. This is a thinking man's game and we need to be prepared to react and respond to the little things that occur in a game. These little things often determine outcomes of games. Through practice and a good bit of visioning, we can equip ourselves to anticipate these unexpectated scenarios.

As you view the the scenarios involving hits to the outfield, bear in mind that the idea is to kill the play aggressively and intelligently. If a hitter hits a single and he's going no further than first, there is no reason to throw the ball all over the field. Outfielders need to hit that cut-off man squarely and the cut-off man needs to turn and hustle the ball into the infield to kill the action. We don't need unnecessary throws.

As we'll describe in the Basics Book, everyone has someplace to be. Everyone is in every play and the play begins with our recognition of the score, the pitch location and type, the count, the inning, and more. Be moving on every play and consider the play still "live" until the umpire raises his hand to get time.

The key with the outfield hit situations is not so much where the runners are when the play starts as it is how the ball is hit and where. We know, for instance, that a sure double will not be played to first base, so there is no reason to look for action there when getting the ball in. The outfielder's body orientation and position should show consideration of the outfielder's recognition that a sure double is going to call for a throw to the cut to keep the runner from advancing to third. Know where your runners are and be familiar enough with the game to anticipate where the play will be on balls hit anywhere on the field.

Hit to the Outfield Runner at Third Base
Select One Sure Single to Left Field Sure Single to Center Field Sure Single to Right Field

Hit to the Outfield Runners at First and Third Base
Select One Sure Single to Left Field Sure Single to Center Field

Hit to the Outfield Bases Loaded
Select One Sure Single to Left Field Sure Single to Center Field Sure Single to Right Field

Bunt Coverages
Select One Bunt to the Left Side with a Runner at First Base Bunt to the Right or Middle with a Runner at First Base Bunt to the Left Side with Runners at First and Second Base Bunt to the Right or Middle with Runners at First and Second Base

Runners at First and Third Base; Early Break from First Base
Select One Runners at First and Third Base; Early Break from First Base

Defensive Depth Sets
Select One Defensive Depth Sets