When a fly ball is hit with less than two outs, the runner has a choice. If the ball is caught, they have to be on the base or they’ll be doubled off. The right move on a deep fly: tag up. Stay on the bag, watch the catch, run after the catch.
What you need: A base, an outfielder with a glove, a coach to hit fly balls.
Setup: Runner on third base. Outfielder in right or center. Coach at home plate with a bucket of balls.
How to run it:
- Coach hits a fly ball to the outfielder.
- Runner watches the ball, foot on the bag.
- The instant the ball hits the glove, runner takes off for home.
- Outfielder catches and throws home.
- Do 6 reps from third base. Then move runner to second and tag up on deep fly balls.
What to watch: When the runner leaves the base. They cannot leave before the catch. Even a hair early and they’re out on appeal. Foot stays on the base until the catch.
If they’re struggling: Slow down the throw. Use a parent in the outfield throwing soft. Build the timing.
If they’ve got it: Add a competitive element. The runner has to beat the throw home. Tell them: out or safe, score it.