My son is on a 12U team and the catchers have started throwing back to 3rd very frequently. And also to First. Probably once or twice at least per inning. It is clear that the payoff is not near enough compared to the detriment it is causing of runs scored or runners easily going to 2nd base or maybe even 3rd base. The coaches never say anything to the catchers because it seems like they are helping the team get an out but it is not practical. At 3rd, the third baseman can never play a fielding position because he is always worried about the catcher throwing the ball. No signals as you describe. Often the catcher throws the ball down the line so that the runner is in the way of the 3rd baseman catching the ball. Throwing to third is hard with a right handed batter because the catcher has to go behind then throw across the base bath and not hit the runner. Or, the 3rd baseball has to go from a fielding position and quickly move over to foul territory and take the catch from a throw down the line in foul territory. Could you show the best way for a catcher and third baseman executing a Back Pick?
That would be a great video… I’ll see what I can do. Catchers should never throw to a base if they haven’t communicated with the infielders in some way. One of the most important things for a catcher is to keep runners at the base they are at. Giving up extra bases is no bueno.
