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Pickle / Rundown Drill

Teaches both runners and fielders how to handle a rundown situation. Runners work on extending the rundown; fielders work on quick tags and limiting throws.

BaserunningIntermediate12 min3+ players8U9U10U11U12U13U14U

Watch the Full Demonstration

How to Run This Drill
  1. 1
    Set up two bases 60 feet apart with a fielder at each base.
  2. 2
    Runner starts in the middle — they're in a pickle.
  3. 3
    Fielders throw back and forth to run the player down and tag them.
  4. 4
    Goal for fielders: tag in 2-3 throws max. Goal for runner: force extra throws or get safe.
  5. 5
    Rotate runner and fielders after each rep.
Equipment Needed
  • Baseballs
  • Gloves
  • Bases
Coaching Tips
  • ●Fielders: run at the runner hard to force a commitment, then toss to the other fielder.
  • ●Always throw to the lead fielder's glove side.
  • ●Runner: make them throw — change direction when the ball is released, not before.