On a dropped third strike, the batter can run to first base only if first base is empty or there are two outs. In Little League this applies in the Majors division and above, not in Minor League or Tee Ball. The defense gets the out by tagging the batter or throwing to first before he gets there.

The hard part is getting 10-year-olds to react to it in a game. Below: when the batter can run, when he’s out if he doesn’t, each fielder’s job, and a drill for your next practice.

In this guide

1. What is the dropped third strike rule?
2. When can the batter run on a dropped third strike?
3. Does the dropped third strike rule apply in Little League?
4. When is the batter out if he doesn’t run?
5. What should the catcher do on a dropped third strike?
6. What do the first baseman and pitcher do?
7. What should the other base runners do?
8. How do you practice the dropped third strike?
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Give your catchers the tools to win this play

What is the dropped third strike rule?

A dropped third strike happens when the umpire calls strike three but the catcher does not legally catch the pitch. Under the Official Baseball Rules (5.05(a)(2)), the batter then becomes a runner, as long as first base is unoccupied or there are two outs.

Rule experts prefer the term “uncaught third strike,” because the catcher doesn’t have to drop anything. A few things coaches and parents often miss:

• A pitch in the dirt is not a catch. If the ball touches the ground before the catcher secures it, it is uncaught, even if he scoops it cleanly on a short hop (LLUmpires.com).
• It works on swinging and called strikes. The batter does not have to swing.
• The ball is live. Runners already on base can advance at their own risk, just like on any wild pitch or passed ball.
• The pitcher still gets a strikeout. The batter can be out at first, reach base, or even score, and the pitcher is still credited with the K.

When can the batter run on a dropped third strike?

The batter can run when first base is empty, or when there are two outs regardless of who is on base. If first base is occupied with fewer than two outs, the batter is automatically out. The rule exists so the defense can’t drop the ball on purpose to start an easy double play.

Outs	Runner on first?	Can the batter run?
0 or 1	No	Yes
0 or 1	Yes	No, batter is out
2	No	Yes
2	Yes (any runners)	Yes, and every runner is forced

That last row matters. With two outs and the bases loaded, a dropped third strike puts a force on every base, so the catcher can simply pick up the ball and step on home plate for the third out.

Does the dropped third strike rule apply in Little League?

Yes, but only in the Major Division and above. Little League International states that an uncaught third strike does not apply to play below the Little League (Major) Division, so Minor League and Tee Ball batters are out on strike three whether it is caught or not.

High school baseball under NFHS rules uses the same basic conditions, as do the pros. Travel, rec and other youth organizations set their own rules, and some local leagues modify them for younger ages. Read your league’s rules before the season and confirm at the plate meeting if you’re not sure.

When is the batter out if he doesn’t run?

A batter who doesn’t try for first eventually gives up his chance. Under the Official Baseball Rules, a batter who isn’t running to first is declared out once he leaves the dirt circle around home plate. In Little League, the batter forfeits his chance when he enters the dugout or another dead-ball area (LLUmpires.com).

For young hitters, the simple cue is: “Strike three in the dirt? Run until someone gets you out.” Don’t wait for the umpire or a coach to tell them.

What should the catcher do on a dropped third strike?

The catcher should find the ball, pick it up, and either tag the batter or throw to first base before the batter gets there. Before every two-strike pitch, the catcher should already know whether the batter can run. Then:

1. Block first. A ball kept in front of the plate is an easy out. A ball that gets to the backstop usually isn’t.
2. Pick it up with the bare hand. Push the ball into the ground and grab it, rather than trying to glove it on the run.
3. Tag if the batter is close. If the batter is still near the plate and the ball is right there, a tag is quicker than a throw.
4. Clear the runner’s path. Take a step or two toward the infield (fair) side so the throw doesn’t hit the batter-runner in the back.
5. Throw to the first baseman’s chest. Firm and on line beats hard and wild. A throw into right field can turn one free base into two or three.

Blocking is the skill that makes all of this possible. If your catchers are still learning it, our post on catching drills for blocking, receiving and throwing has a good progression, and the MBA Toolkit’s catching drills cover blocking and throwing technique step by step.

What do the first baseman and pitcher do?

The first baseman gets to the bag and gives a target on the inside (fair) side, and the pitcher helps the catcher find the ball and covers home if a run could score. Assign these jobs in practice so nobody is guessing in a game.

• First baseman: Sprint to the bag as soon as the ball gets by the catcher. Set up with your foot on the inside edge of the base, hands up, and yell “Inside! Inside!” so the catcher has a clear lane.
• Pitcher: Point at the ball and call its location (“Left! Left!”). If there is a runner on third, break for home and cover the plate, because that runner may score while the throw goes to first.
• Right fielder: Back up first base on the throw. This is one of the plays in our simple backup system for youth teams.
• Middle infielders: Cover second and third if runners are on and could move up on the throw.

What should the other base runners do?

Runners already on base should treat a dropped third strike like any ball in the dirt: advance if the ball gets away, and be ready to go on the throw to first. With two outs, everyone is running anyway.

• Runner on second, first base open, under two outs: Read the ball. If it kicks away, take third.
• Runner on third, first base open, under two outs: This is the coach’s call. A common approach is to break for home when the catcher commits to the throw to first, especially if the pitcher isn’t covering the plate.
• Two outs, any runners: Everyone is forced and running on contact or a dropped third strike. Run hard and keep running until the play is over.

For more reads like these at every base, see base running situations: when to go and when to hold.

How do you practice the dropped third strike?

Run a “Dirt Ball to First” drill for 8 to 10 minutes. It trains the catcher, first baseman, pitcher and hitters at the same time, and it needs only a bucket of balls.

Setup: Catcher in full gear behind the plate, a pitcher on the mound, a first baseman and a right fielder in position, and a line of hitters (helmets on) in the batter’s box. A coach stands in front of the mound with a bucket of balls.

1. The coach calls the situation out loud, such as “One out, nobody on” or “One out, runner on first.”
2. The coach throws or firmly tosses a ball into the dirt in front of the plate, varying left, right and straight on.
3. The hitter decides whether he can run. If yes, he drops the bat and sprints through first. If no, he stays put.
4. The catcher blocks or chases, picks up, clears the lane, and throws to first (or tags if the hitter is close).
5. The pitcher points and calls the ball. The first baseman calls “Inside!” The right fielder backs up.
6. Rotate hitters every rep and catchers every five or six reps.

Progressions: Add a runner on third so the pitcher has to cover home. Then add two-out, bases-loaded reps so the catcher learns to step on the plate for the force instead of throwing.

Age-by-age adjustments

• Tee Ball and Minor League (Little League): The rule isn’t used in games, so skip the drill. Use the time for basic blocking and receiving.
• Late Minors, moving up next year: Introduce it near the end of the season so players aren’t surprised in their first Majors game.
• Majors (roughly ages 9 to 12): Run the drill weekly early in the season. This is the level where it decides games, because pitches in the dirt are common and throws to first are not automatic.
• 13U and up: Add the runner-on-third and bases-loaded reads, and expect the catcher to make the throw-or-tag decision himself.

Two-strike checklist for your dugout

• Catcher: “Is first open, or are there two outs? Then he can run.”
• First baseman: “Ball gets by, I get to the bag and call inside.”
• Pitcher: “Ball gets by, I point. Runner on third, I cover home.”
• Hitter: “Strike three in the dirt, I run.”

Situational plays like this are easiest to teach when every player can see their job on paper. Our Defensive Situations Guide lays out each player’s responsibility play by play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Minor League batter run on a dropped third strike?

No. Little League International says the uncaught third strike rule does not apply below the Major Division, so Minor League and Tee Ball batters are out on strike three. Other organizations may differ, so check your league’s rules.

Is it still a strikeout if the batter reaches first?

Yes. The pitcher is credited with a strikeout either way. The batter reaching base is scored as a wild pitch, passed ball or error depending on what happened.

If the catcher scoops the ball on a short hop, is that a catch?

No. A legal catch must be secured before the ball touches the ground. Any pitch that bounces first is an uncaught third strike, even if the catcher gloves it cleanly.

Can the batter run with a runner on first and two outs?

Yes. With two outs, the batter can run no matter who is on base, and every runner is forced to advance. The defense can get the third out by throwing to first or by stepping on any base where a runner is forced.

How long does the batter have to start running?

Until he gives up the chance. Under the Official Baseball Rules, that happens when he leaves the dirt circle around home plate without running to first. In Little League, it happens when he enters the dugout or another dead-ball area.

Give your catchers the tools to win this play

The dropped third strike is won or lost by the catcher’s block and throw. If you want a full set of blocking, receiving and throwing drills to build those skills, take a look at the MBA Toolkit’s catching drills.