With runners on first and third, the runner on first usually steals or breaks for second to draw a throw. The runner on third reads the catcher’s throw. If the catcher throws through to second, third is unguarded and the runner can score. If the throw gets cut off, the runner stays.
What you need: A diamond setup with a catcher, pitcher, shortstop or second baseman, and two runners.
Setup: Runner on first, runner on third. Pitcher, catcher, shortstop covering second.
How to run it:
- Pitcher throws to home. Runner on first breaks for second on the pitch.
- Catcher decides whether to throw through to second or hold.
- Runner on third reads the throw:
- If catcher throws through: runner on third sprints home.
- If catcher holds or fakes: runner on third stays.
- Do 6 reps. Mix in throws through and fakes.
- Reset and switch the runners.
What to watch: When the runner on third leaves. They cannot leave before the catcher releases the throw. If they leave too early, the catcher can fake the throw and tag them at third.
If they’re struggling: Drop the catcher’s choice. Always have the catcher throw through. Build the read off a clean throw first.
If they’ve got it: Add a relay (the shortstop intercepts the throw and throws home). Now the runner on third has to read the cut, not just the throw.