Make the sign clear
The batter and runner both look for the coach's signal before play resumes. A player who missed it uses the agreed reset request.
Coaching Points
Rehearse the reset request as part of the signs, not as a failure.
Common Mistakes
A missed sign can create a safety and coordination problem.
Alternative Considerations
Keep early-season sign sets small; add complexity only when understood.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Agree on the runner's rule
Bronco permits pre-pitch leads and legal pitcher pickoff throws.
Coaching Points
Have the runner repeat the rule and the return cue before adding a live pitcher.
Common Mistakes
Familiar PONY branding does not erase Mustang's national menu of local options.
Alternative Considerations
For a more restricted Mustang option, teach its timing at the affected base rather than practicing an illegal early departure.
Give a runner one decision
A third-base coach sees the ball, relay and runner approaching. The coach uses the team's agreed stop or send signal clearly and early.
Coaching Points
Practice communication with a jogging runner before adding a live relay.
Common Mistakes
Conflicting voice and hand signals make the decision harder.
Alternative Considerations
Aggressiveness depends on score, outs and player readiness; it is not a universal send rule.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
Name the contact-play plan
Before a situational rep, the coach tells the runner whether to read the ball first or act on a specific contact cue. Everyone repeats the instruction.
Coaching Points
Walk the scenario and then ask what changes on a line drive or a missed sign.
Common Mistakes
A slogan is not a complete base-running decision.
Alternative Considerations
Do not run a high-risk team play until the simpler read is reliable.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.
React to an uncaught third strike
First base is empty with one out. Strike three is not caught.
Coaching Points
Make the first-base and outs check part of a short batter/catcher scenario.
Common Mistakes
Do not teach a younger-division exemption as if it applied to Mustang or Bronco.
Alternative Considerations
Change the setup to occupied first with fewer than two outs and ask why the result changes.
Rules/safety: third
Label a practice policy honestly
At this academy's bunt station, a player commits to a bunt or a normal swing rather than practicing a fake bunt followed by a full swing.
Coaching Points
Explain the station's conservative boundary plainly, without attaching an unsupported penalty or rule number.
Common Mistakes
A coaching preference is not a national rule.
Alternative Considerations
Follow an actual adopted restriction where it applies; do not infer one from another league.
Coaching exercise: not a national rule requirement.