Today's Drill: Run Out a Walk

Purpose: To take advantage of an inattentive pitcher, catcher or middle infielder and advance to second on a walk.

Set-Up: Have runners line up at home plate. Pitcher, catcher and middle infielders can be players or coaches.

The Drill: Runner starts to first as if on a walk. The runner turns first and continues to second if either 1) The catcher hasn't hustled after a wild pitch; 2) The throw from the catcher to pitcher is lobbed and the pitcher isn't paying attention; 3) If no middle infielder is covering second base.

Coaches' Corner: Runners must hustle to first base on walks to have a chance to take second. This drill will make hustling to first a habit and enable runners to recognize an opportunity to take second.

Today's Drill: Fly Balls With Runner at Third

Purpose: Making a habit of tagging up on fly balls.

Set-Up: Put several runners in a line at third base. Defensive players are at each outfield position, third base, catcher and pitcher. If your first baseman is used in your cutoff system, use one as well.

The Drill: The coach hits fly balls to the outfield, including in foul territory. Upon catching the ball, the outfielder fires the ball home, through the cutoff man. The runners tag up on every fly ball and try to score if they think they can.

Coaches' Corner: Runners need make a habit of tagging up on a fly ball with less than two out, regardless of how difficult a catch appears. They also must learn which balls they are capable of scoring on. The coach should hit a few bloopers where runners should go down the line and score if the ball drops.