[Jim Porter]

On a passed ball we usually have little choice. We must move to the side that will not interfere with the catcher's throw.

But when a choice is available, I prefer third baseline extended. I feel it is more important that we set ourselves up where the runner's body cannot block a tag. If we do this, it is easier to adjust to the catcher should something strange happen.

There's no reason to stand like a statue. It's okay to take a step or two towards the play, or to the left or right, to get your nose right down in there. Plays at the plate can happen at a variety of different angles. If we stand still there is a greater risk of being blocked.

So since we know we might have to move to avoid being blocked out, I find it easier to concern myself with only one element in the play - the catcher. Third baseline extended offers me that luxury. It will be quite rare that the runner's body will block me out, so all I have to worry about is the catcher blocking me out. That makes an adjustment move far simpler to figure out in a split second than if I had worry about both the runner and the catcher blocking me.

There's no magic answer. Get yourself in a position to see the play. Adjust if you need to.