Dropped Third Strike: Where Does Everyone Go?

Bases empty, no outs, dropped third strike. Watch the play run, then read the job for each of the nine players, in the same plain words the app uses.

Bases empty, 0 outs: Dropped Third Strike
PitcherPCatcherCFirst baseman1BSecond baseman2BThird baseman3BShortstopSSLeft fielderLFCenter fielderCFRight fielderRFB
Gets the ballCutoff / relayCovers a baseBacks upOther jobRunnerWhere they ran

Dropped Third Strike

The call: Dropped third strike: throw to 1st (catcher to first baseman).

An animated field showing where all nine players go. Bases empty, no outs, dropped third strike. The call: Dropped third strike: throw to 1st (catcher to first baseman).

All nine jobs

Tap a player to follow that one job on the field.

Why it matters

The batter struck out and is running anyway, and the defense is often the last to notice. The catcher has to throw from inside the line, so the ball doesn't hit the runner. The first baseman gives a target on that same side. The second baseman and the right fielder back up 1st, because this throw is made in a hurry.

What the runners do

  • Batter. Strikes out, runs for 1st on the dropped ball, and is thrown out.

This is the baseball field. In the app a fastpitch softball team sees every play on its own field, with its own rules.

Questions coaches ask

Who covers 1st on a dropped third strike?
The first baseman. Gets on the bag and gives the catcher a target inside the line.
Who backs up 1st on a dropped third strike?
The second baseman. Breaks toward 1st to back up the catcher's throw.
What does the pitcher do on a dropped third strike?
Stays in the middle of the diamond, ready to cover home.

More situations

See all the situations

Get your team on it before Saturday

In the app every player runs this play on their own phone, at their own position, and you see who keeps missing it.