With runners on first and third, offenses run the double steal. The runner on first breaks for second to draw a throw. As soon as the catcher throws, the runner on third breaks for home. The defense has to read it and react. There are three ways to play it.
What you need: A full diamond, two runners, a catcher, pitcher, and infielders.
Setup: Runners on first and third. Standard infield.
How to run it:
- Pitcher pitches. Runner on first breaks for second.
- Catcher has three options:
- Throw through to second, runner on third may score
- Throw to the cutoff (pitcher or shortstop), who reads and throws to whichever base the runner is committed to
- Hold the ball, runner on first reaches second uncontested but no run scored
- Run each option 3 times. Talk through what worked.
- Do 9 reps total.
- Discuss after each: did the defense make the right read?
What to watch: The catcher’s decision. If they throw through every time without reading the runner on third, they’re giving up runs. If they hold every time, they’re giving up the steal. The right play depends on the score.
If they’re struggling: Run only one option per round. Build understanding before mixing.
If they’ve got it: Add a fake by the runner on third. Sometimes they break, sometimes they fake. The defense has to read both.