Time Plays 2016 – Summary
There are several factors that interfere with the successful execution of a “Time Play.”
- The runner approaching the plate often slows down before touching the plate when he realizes there will be no play made on him;
- The runner approaching the plate will often look back to watch the play behind him which slows him down;
- If the on-deck batter does not understand the concept of the “Time Play,” he will often raise his arms to signal the runner to stand up because no play is being made on him. All of those points slow the runner who is approaching the plate in a race against time.
To increase the execution of a “Time Play,” there are several fundamental points that coaches and runners should adhere to:
- The coaches, when possible, should read the red flag “Time Play” situations and communicate this to the runners between pitches;
- The runner advancing home should run through the plate;
- When the back runner is in a rundown his goal should be to extend the play as long as possible. He should never avoid a tag horizontally and risk being called out for running out of the baseline. Instead, he should back pedal, run in reverse, fall to the ground or duck when avoiding a tag;
- A wise runner can induce a “Time Play.”