First and Third Offensive & Defensive Strategies

with Shonda Stanton,
Indiana University Head Coach;
2023 ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Staff of the Year;
2023 was Indiana's first 40+ win season since 1994;
Marshall University Head Coach from 1999 to 2017;
winningest coach in Marshall softball history;
2x Conference Champions;
2017 Conference USA Regular Season Champions;
2017 Conference USA Coach of the Year;
2017 Conference USA Staff of the Year;
2013 Conference USA Tournament Champions;
4x Conference champions;
Akron Racers (National Pro Fastpitch League) Head Coach in 2007, 2008;
IUPUI Head Coach from 1998 to 1999;
Ashland University GA from 1997 to 1998;
1998 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coaching Staff of the Year;
played professionally in Women's ASA Fastpitch Summerball for Chet Smith Lady All-Stars and Buckeye Slammers;
1994 Class B National Champions;
played college softball at UNC Greensboro

The offensive and defensive options of the first and third situation in softball present one of the most complex and nuanced situational decision-making environments for both players and coaches. Strong teams know how to handle the first and third situation on both offense and defense. With this video, you'll learn how to incorporate each phase of the first and third into a practice setting.

Shonda Stanton details many base running options at both first and third base, the purpose of each option and when a coach would want to use each option to put pressure on the defense and create run scoring opportunities. She also discusses defensive options to shut down aggressive teams' first and third opportunities, including essential rundown principles.

First and Third Base Options and Commands

The more runners you put in scoring position, the more runs you'll score. Coach Stanton defines four different options for safely getting a runner to second base, and explains ways to pressure the defense into making mistakes. She also expands on the benefits of each option and when teams would best use each of them.

The defense will implement many plays to prevent the runner from scoring and to get runners out. Coach Stanton covers six options at third base, including commands that a coach would use based on how the defense is trying to execute its strategy. She thoroughly explains when and why you would use each particular strategy.

Coach Stanton shows you how to prepare your runners to make their own decisions about when to go. Teaching your athletes to read and react on the base paths makes them more unpredictable, putting even more pressure on the defense.

Defensive Strategies for First and Third Situations

All too often, defenses give up second base to keep a runner from scoring, or they give up the run to get an out. Coach Stanton breaks down your defensive opportunities, allowing you to determine the defensive set up that suits your team best. She gives you a glimpse of the 12 different defenses employed by Marshall University and shows drills to train your players. Your defense will be prepared for anything your opponent throws at you.

Simplify the Rundown

Effective execution of the rundown is essential to to first and third defense. Not only is it important to get the out, but the defense needs to be able to hold the runner or get the second out. Coach Stanton explains the run down from when to throw, when and where to run, how to communicate, how to place tags, and how to finish the play. These are demonstrated with simple drills and appropriate cues.

Coaching First and Third

One of the most important players in the first and third situation is the coach, but many don't focus on the correct responsibilities. Your job is to keep your runners safe, and Coach Stanton shows you how. With these tools, you will be able to identify pick-off plays and keep your runners safe from the dreaded out.

Coach Stanton gives you an efficient and effective practice plan that provides athletes confidence in both offensive and defensive first and third base scenarios.

66 minutes. 2017.