The hit and run is a team play. The runner on first goes on the pitch. The batter swings at any pitch close to the zone, even bad ones. The point: the runner gets a head start, the defense has to cover the bag, and the batter can hit the ball through the hole that opens up.
What you need: A bat, 10 baseballs, a coach to pitch, a runner at first base, a complete defense (or 2-3 fielders).
Setup: Runner on first. Batter at home. Coach pitches from 30 feet behind a screen.
How to run it:
- Coach signals “hit and run” before the pitch.
- Runner takes off as soon as the coach starts the throwing motion.
- Batter swings at anything in or close to the zone. Goal: ground ball or low line drive.
- Defense reacts: shortstop or second baseman covers second base, the other fielder plays the ball.
- Do 6 reps. Reset the runner each time.
What to watch: Does the batter take a strike? On a hit and run, taking a strike is a cardinal sin because the runner is hung out. Swing at anything reachable. Bad swing better than no swing.
If they’re struggling: Run the play with no defense. Just batter and runner. Build the timing first.
If they’ve got it: Add a steal sign so the runner is sometimes stealing without the batter knowing. Mix the two plays.