Home/Baseball/Pickle (Rundown) Drill
BaserunningDefense

Pickle (Rundown) Drill

This drill teaches infielders how to work together to close down a runner caught between bases efficiently, using few throws, hard closing angles, and clear communication — while the baserunner practices reading a rundown for an escape opportunity.

Age RangeAges 10+
Duration8–10 minutes
Group SizeGroups of 3–4
SportBaseball

Equipment Needed

  • 1 ball
  • 2 bases or cones

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.
Pickle (Rundown) DrillRRunnerF1F2sprintreactsthrow (1–2 max)45–60 ft between bases; force the commitment before throwing

Instructions

  1. The fielder with the ball sprints directly at the runner, forcing a commitment before throwing.
  2. 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.
  3. Aim to finish the rundown in one or two throws — more than that usually means the fielders are throwing too early.
  4. 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.

Variation

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.

More Baseball Drills