| Way too often this gets very confusing for a | | | | third base. |
| pitcher and it should not be. An errant throw can | | | | Remember that once the ball is hit, the pitcher |
| often determine the outcome of a ball game. | | | | becomes a defensive player just like everybody |
| Baseball pitching tips should include teaching | | | | else! It is a shame to have a game decided |
| pitchers which base they should back up and how | | | | because a pitcher failed to back up a base due to |
| to properly back up the base. | | | | a lack of focus or because he didn't know which |
| The following list shows which base a pitcher | | | | base to back up. |
| should back up on a hit to the outfield. | | | | Things to Remember About Backing Up Bases: |
| Nobody on Base. On singles, back up throws to | | | | 1) First of all, a pitcher must know where the |
| second base. On extra base hits, watch the play | | | | runners are beforehand. |
| unfold and back up the base where you think | | | | 2) Remember to back up bases during a rundown |
| there may be a play. | | | | play also. |
| Runner On First Base. You back up third base. | | | | 3) When backing up a throw from the outfield, |
| Runner On Second Base. You back up home plate. | | | | avoid making the very common mistake of being |
| Runners On First and Second Base. You have to | | | | too close to the base. Way too often pitchers |
| think quickly and move very quickly. QUICKLY get | | | | back up the base and the throw gets by the |
| into a position between third base and home, | | | | infielder and gets by them also. By being about |
| standing about ten feet in foul territory. You have | | | | ten steps behind the base, you will have much |
| to watch the play unfold, anticipate and make a | | | | better range to your left and to your right. The |
| very quick judgment. You either dash toward | | | | chance of the ball getting by both the infielder and |
| home and backup the throw there or backup the | | | | you also will be very small. |
| throw to third base. Watching the play itself unfold | | | | 4) Try to line yourself up so that there is an |
| is the only way to know which base you have to | | | | imaginary line going from the player throwing the |
| back up. Smart teammates should pay you a | | | | ball, the base and to you. |
| mound visit to give you a breather after this one | | | | The proper way to back up bases and which |
| because you may be sprinting all over the field. | | | | base a pitcher should back up is one of the more |
| Bases Loaded. Same exact thing as runners on | | | | important parts of the game that unfortunately, is |
| first and second base mentioned above. You | | | | not taught nearly enough. It should rank higher on |
| must move quickly and watch the play unfold. | | | | everyone's list of baseball coaching tips! |
| Runners On First and Third Base. You back up | | | | |