Strategy starts with reading the situation: how many outs there are, who's on base, what the score is and what the defence can do. It isn't a catalogue of flashy tricks, but a choice of the best option at that moment. When we coach children, we first teach the basics of movement and communication. Only after that does the question come up of why a bunt right now, rather than a full swing.

If the defensive positions aren't clear yet, go back to the part on defence.

The bunt

In a bunt the batter cushions the ball with the bat so that it rolls along the infield. A sacrifice bunt can move a runner along at the cost of an out, while a bunt for a hit takes advantage of the defence being caught off guard, usually when the batter is fast. Whether a bunt is a good choice depends on the situation, not on the technique itself.

With beginner groups we introduce the bunt carefully. Done badly, it puts the fingers at risk and spoils the swing mechanics. First we teach controlled contact with the ball and the decision to “let it go or swing”, and only later the advanced parts.

Stealing a base and hit and run

A runner can set off for the next base as the pitcher throws. A successful steal improves their chances of scoring, but a failed one gives the defence an out. It's a calculation of risk: either you gain a base or you lose a player.

The hit and run needs the runner and the batter to decide together. The runner goes with the pitch, and the batter has to swing to shield them from an easy out. That's why you practise communication and the basics of running the bases first, and only then the signs from the bench.

Double play

The defence tries to use a ground ball to get two outs on one play. Most often it goes like this: the catch, a throw to second, a relay to first. You need a quick catch, a good choice of base and an accurate throw. We described the roles of the individual fielders in the part on defence.

In children's baseball a double play happens less often, because throwing strength and timing are still being built. It's still worth knowing the idea: the defence doesn't always throw to the nearest base, and sometimes one sure out is better.

Reading the situation

  • No outs, runner on first: the defence is thinking about a double play, the offence about moving the runner along.
  • Two outs: any contact with the ball can end the half-inning, so the runner often goes with the pitch.
  • A close score late in the game: decisions are more cautious or, on the contrary, deliberately risky.

You don't need to know all the variations to enjoy a game. Just ask yourself: how many outs are there, where are the runners, and what would the defence like to do with this ball.

The whole picture

Strategy only makes sense once you know the fundamentals. If you want to get the field, the innings and the runs straight, go back to the first part of the series. And then come to a training session: the game only becomes a game of decisions when the body knows the basic movement.