<P> The hit and run relies on the positioning of the defensive players in the infield . The first and third basemen normally stand near the foul lines , generally near the inside of their bases , set slightly back to allow more time to react to sharply hit balls . However , if the runner is on first , the first baseman stands closer to the base to prevent steals by means of pick - off attempts by the pitcher ; consequently , such positioning produces a bigger gap between second and first basemen . The second baseman and shortstop stand on opposite sides of second base , covering the areas between first and second , and second and third , respectively . Second base itself is not directly covered , as the pitcher can field batted balls in this direction . </P>
<P> The hit and run relies on the positioning of the defensive players in the infield . The first and third basemen normally stand near the foul lines , generally near the inside of their bases , set slightly back to allow more time to react to sharply hit balls . However , if the runner is on first , the first baseman stands closer to the base to prevent steals by means of pick - off attempts by the pitcher ; consequently , such positioning produces a bigger gap between second and first basemen . The second baseman and shortstop stand on opposite sides of second base , covering the areas between first and second , and second and third , respectively . Second base itself is not directly covered , as the pitcher can field batted balls in this direction . </P>
when to put on a hit and run
when to put on a hit and run
if the runner is on first
if the runner is on first