The main duties of first and third base coaches are giving signals and assisting runners.
First Base Coach
- encourage and help the batter get to first base
- once ball has been hit - alert the runners to fielding errors, overthrows or the ball through the infield
- position themself at the front of the box and tell the runner to 'run hard', 'take your turn', 'go for two', etc.
- runner on first - be aware of the inning, number of outs, count on the batter, the score, the ability of the hitter, the pick-off move, the positions and throwing abilities of the defensive players, any offensive play that has been signaled, when the runner should tag up or go halfway, what the runner should do on a ground ball or line drive and the speed of the runner
- runner on first - coach should position themself in the box according to the first baseman's location. If playing behind the runner the coach stands in the front of the box and watches the first baseman for a pick-off move. If the baseman is holding the runner on, the coach moves behind the base and studies the pitcher's move to first.
Third Base Coach
- once runner leaves first base, they become the responsibility of the third base coach
- visual arm signals and voice commands may be used
- to stop runners or not to slide - hold both hands high with palms facing outwards
- to indicate a slide lower the arms with the palms facing downward
- position themself near the bag for all close plays at third
- if play is not close the coach moves toward home plate to get a better view of the developing play while maintaining contact with the runner
- if the runner should continue towards home the coach points to home plate with one arm while waving with the other
- best way to instruct the runner is with arm signals
- keep the runner informed of the game situation
- give signs to the batter
