When Should a Runner Freeze on a Line Drive?
One extra step can turn into an easy double play.
Line drives travel quickly and are often difficult to judge. A runner who immediately advances risks being doubled off if a defender catches the ball.
By freezing briefly, the runner gains time to confirm whether the ball is caught, falls safely, or reaches the outfield.
The technique is especially important for runners on first base because middle infielders frequently turn line-drive catches into double plays.
Good baserunning balances aggression with awareness. Freezing may appear cautious, but it often protects the team from losing multiple outs on a single play.
