How to Coach Third Base in Baseball

Coaching third base is one of the most unappreciated jobs in baseball. A good third base coach might be able to steal a couple of wins for his team during the season, but a poor third base coach can cost his team 10 or more games every year. The third base coach is responsible for relaying signals to the batter and the base runners. He also must advise runners as they get to third base whether they should continue home or stay at the base.

Instructions

1. Take an aggressive attitude with you as you go out to the third base coaching box. That does not mean that you should always have the baserunners move on to the next base with reckless abandon. However, if the baserunner has any speed and if the outfielder has a difficult throw to make, you should always have that runner go for the extra base unless your team is in a late-inning do-or-die situation.

2. Position yourself about 25 feet past third base so you are in line with the oncoming runner's field of vision. You must give him a clear signal of what you want him to do. If you want the runner to stay at third base, hold both hands up in the air with your palms up. This is called the stop sign. If you want him to attempt to score, take one arm and wave it in a windmill fashion. This is the go signal.

3. Study the outfielders' arm strength so you know how well they throw. This will help you in your decision of whether to send the runner home or keep him at third. In general, the right fielder has the strongest arm of any outfielder. The center fielder has the second-strongest arm while the left fielder has the weakest arm. These are general rules. You may be playing a team where the center fielder or left fielder has a strong arm, so you need to be aware.

4. Keep the game situation in mind. If your team is down by a run and you have a fast runner on second and a single has been hit to the outfield and he has had a good jump off second base and the outfielder's arm is average, send the runner home. Your team may not have many more chances to tie the game. However, if the runner is on the slow side and the outfielder has a strong arm, don't send the runner just with the hope that the catcher will drop the ball or the outfielder will throw it badly. Use good judgment and don't second-guess yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very clear in your signals and also shout in a loud voice what you want the runner to do. If you want him to keep running, a loud "GO" will do. However, if you want the runner to hold up, do not shout "HOLD." The long O sound of the word sounds too much like go. Instead you need to shout "STOP" in a very loud voice.