Priorities

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

If there is a runner from 3rd, headed home, that is the priority. How do you know the play won't be there? Lead runners come first.

Not correct. In the case where there is a runner coming home and a "middle runner" (not the batter runner) coming to third, such as:

Runners on second and first, base hit to outfield. runner from second is scoring and runner from first going into third.

As PU: More out from behind the plate to the holding zone in foul ground, about half way to 3B* and read the play. Responsible for any play on the lead runner at 3B and any play at the plate.

BU: responsible for plays at 1B and 2B and last runner into 3B.

*2015 ASA/USA verbiage. I believe USA 2017 is slightly different about the area of the holding zone.

The key is "reading the play". PU in the holding zone, if ball is thrown directly to third (and it isn't the "last runner"), then PU takes third, regardless of outs. If this becomes a timing play, you use the best information you can (and BU can help).

If they throw comes home, then you take the play at home.

If the thrown comes home, but is cut and then thrown to third, BU needs to read this and help. This requires communication.