Dirt-Ball Reads
by Charles
GetaLookSports.com
It’s the bottom of the 7th. The Score is tied 2-2. There’s one out in the inning, and you’ve just worked a walk.
This type of game situation is common enough that you can expect to see it at least two or three times during the course of a season. Depending on how your team has done, how you think and react here can be crucial.
Some of the first things that are hopefully running through your mind at this point are ways to move up 90 feet into scoring position where a single can now win the game for your team.
If one of the questions you are asking yourself in this situation is, “How can I get my butt in scoring position?” then you are asking the right question.
But how are you going to get there?
You may be thinking…Steal Second. Maybe. But maybe you don’t have the best speed on the team.
You may be thinking…Bunt me over. Maybe. But maybe coach doesn’t want to burn an out in this situation.
You may be thinking…Wild pitch. Maybe. But maybe the pitcher hasn’t thrown one all day.
You may be thinking…What else is there?
If you’re not considering getting a dirt-ball read in this situation, then you’re leaving a possible opportunity on the table.
For those of you who have heard of this type of read or may have heard of it by another name, I think it’s great that you have already been exposed to this skill.
For those of you who have never heard of this type of read, read on.
Anticipate the Dirt-Ball Read
A dirt-ball read is a type of read that a runner gets on the trajectory of a pitched ball and the catcher. It is most easily done when on first base. It can be done on second base as well, but it is more difficult as it is harder to read the trajectory of the pitched ball. The read must also be made much quicker from second base as the catcher has less of a throw to 3rd base.
Dirt-ball reads are all about one thing.
Anticipation.
As you lead off first, you should already have this possible opportunity for advancement on your mind or your chances for success greatly diminish.
You must anticipate this read.
The pitcher comes set. He checks you at first. He checks again. Finally, his motion starts towards the plate.
Dirt-Ball reads are essentially made up of two sequential reads. Now is the time for the first.
As you follow the trajectory of the ball towards the catcher, when you “read” that the pitched ball will not make it to the catcher in the air then you have just made the first read in the sequence.
In order to help make this first read a little easier consider two things:
- The height of the pitcher
- The pitcher’s release point
After watching a pitch or two at most, you should be able to get a pretty good idea of when pitches will end up in the dirt.
The second read in the sequence is a bit more tricky, but with a little practice it too can be easily mastered.
So, you’ve just made a read on a ball in the dirt off of ball trajectory. Now, you must get a read on the catcher. This read and your reaction are both key here.
As you read the ball in the dirt, you must watch closely now to see if the catcher is able to pick the ball cleanly or not.
When you see the catcher has not picked the ball cleanly…Boom, you’re gone.
This is where anticipation comes into play. To better your chances of making a successful read and ending up on second base, you must anticipate the catcher not picking the ball cleanly.
When you anticipate correctly, you’ve just given yourself a great jump towards second base, and it will be very difficult for the catcher to throw you out at this point. Even athletes with average speed should be able to pull this off if they make the correct reads.
When you anticipate incorrectly and the catcher picks the ball cleanly, then most likely you will have to dive back to first to make it back safely. Again, it will be very difficult for the catcher to make this play since it requires him to dig the ball and make a perfect throw to first.
The whole point of the dirt-ball read is to put all the pressure on the catcher to make an outstanding play.
Odds are most catchers won’t be able to make it. But, as always, be aware of your opponent’s abilities before attempting in a crucial situation.
When correctly executed, a dirt-ball read provides you with a great opportunity to get into scoring position for your team.
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