Equipment Needed

A bucket of practice baseballs means every group can run their own rundown at the same time.

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Setup

Set two bases or cones 45 to 60 feet apart, depending on age group.
One baserunner starts between the bases; two or three fielders start at each base with one ball.

The fielder with the ball sprints directly at the runner, forcing a commitment before throwing.
The runner reacts, running toward the opposite base; the receiving fielder calls for the ball and the throw is made only once the runner is fully committed.
Aim to finish the rundown in one or two throws — more than that usually means the fielders are throwing too early.
Rotate roles so every player practices both the fielding and baserunning side of the rundown.

Coaching Points

Fielders run at the runner with the ball up, ready to throw, never lobbing a throw across the basepath.
Communicate loudly — call for the ball early so the fielder with it knows exactly where to throw.
Chase the runner back toward the base they came from when possible, keeping the defense's angles simple.
Baserunners should look for hesitation or a bad throw, not just run in a straight line — reading the defense is part of the drill.

Add a trailing backup fielder at each base to simulate full game coverage, or start the ball in the pitcher's hand for a game-realistic trigger.