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Offensive Strategies

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Tuesday, 03 January 2012 12:41 Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 January 2012 13:15

Coaching the Bases
Giving Signals
The Batting Order

Coaching the Bases

The main duties of first and third base coaches are giving signals and assisting runners.

First Base Coach

  • encourage and help the batter get to first base
  • once ball has been hit - alert the runners to fielding errors, overthrows or the ball through the infield
  • position themself at the front of the box and tell the runner to 'run hard', 'take your turn', 'go for two', etc.
  • runner on first - be aware of the inning, number of outs, count on the batter, the score, the ability of the hitter, the pick-off move, the positions and throwing abilities of the defensive players, any offensive play that has been signaled, when the runner should tag up or go halfway, what the runner should do on a ground ball or line drive and the speed of the runner
  • runner on first - coach should position themself in the box according to the first baseman's location. If playing behind the runner the coach stands in the front of the box and watches the first baseman for a pick-off move. If the baseman is holding the runner on, the coach moves behind the base and studies the pitcher's move to first.

Third Base Coach

  • once runner leaves first base, they become the responsibility of the third base coach
  • visual arm signals and voice commands may be used
  • to stop runners or not to slide - hold both hands high with palms facing outwards
  • to indicate a slide lower the arms with the palms facing downward
  • position themself near the bag for all close plays at third
  • if play is not close the coach moves toward home plate to get a better view of the developing play while maintaining contact with the runner
  • if the runner should continue towards home the coach points to home plate with one arm while waving with the other
  • best way to instruct the runner is with arm signals
  • keep the runner informed of the game situation
  • give signs to the batter

Giving Signals

The main duty of the third base coach is giving signs to the batter. The coach must know what their players are capable of handling. For young players, signs may be simple and few in number, but for older and more knowledgeable players, additional plays and situations can be covered. Whatever the system, every player should know and understand it perfectly. Most signs are missed because the players do not look at the right time. Hitters should look at the coach just before they enter the box or immediately after a pitch is thrown. Base runners must look at the same time as the hitter so that they are aware of what is going to happen. To avoid being picked off, base runners must be on the bag when they are looking for signals. The most common system of signs involves a key or indicator. A complete routine can be signaled in this method, but nothing is valid until the indicator/key is touched. Most often, the first sign given after the indicator is the one indicating the tactic. The following set of signals is an example of this system:1. Key or indicator Touching the face with the right hand2. Sacrifice/bunt Right hand to baseball cap3. Steal Right hand to ear4. Take a pitch Right hand to left arm5. Hit and Run Right hand to chest6. Swing Away Left hand to right arm (batter's discretion) Example of a signal routine:Right hand to ear / left hand to right arm / right hand to chest / touch face with right hand/right hand to ear / right hand to baseball cap. The steal signal is on. Although several signs were given, the only valid sign is the one appearing after the key or indicator sign.

The Batting Order

The forming of a batting order is not as simple as it seems. The coach must arrange their order according to the players they have available. The coach should try to balance the line-up so that the attack is as strong as possible from the lead-off man through to the ninth hitter.

Lead-off hitter

  • ability to get on base often
  • should be a fairly good hitter (not necessarily a power hitter)
  • possess a good eye at the plate (not swing at bad balls)
  • good speed

Number two hitter

  • good bat control
  • be able to hit behind the runner
  • able to bunt
  • speed should also be an essential prerequisite
  • be able to pull the ball and hit to opposite field when required

Number three hitter

  • power hitter
  • left handed hitter preferably
  • able to pull the ball and drive in a few runs
  • most consistent hitter (makes good contact)

Number four hitter

  • power hitter
  • possesses the most power and potential to drive in runners
  • should be one of the two best hitters on the team

Number five hitter

  • slightly weaker hitter than the number four hitter
  • somewhat slower although they have the same qualifications as the number four hitter

Number six batter

  • power hitter, although not as good as the third, fourth or fifth man
  • should possess decent speed

Number seven hitter

  • second number two hitter
  • ability to execute the hit and run

Generally though, the seventh, eighth and ninth positions are filled with the three weakest hitters. Of the three hitters, the eighth and ninth men should possess the best speed. In this way, they can act as lead-off men if they get on base.


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