The suicide squeeze is one of the most exciting plays in all of baseball. It takes precision timing, and a whole lot of trust between the runner and the hitter. When executed correctly, however, the suicide squeeze is virtually indefensible. Here is how to execute a suicide squeeze step by step:
To execute a good suicide squeeze, you must first learn to be an excellent bunter. You are the only thing between a run and an out, and the runner is counting on you to make contact with the baseball. If you miss the bunt, the runner will likely be out by a mile. Practice your bunting skills and controlling where the ball goes.
The next thing you have to do is make sure you have the signals down pat. If the coach signals a suicide squeeze and the hitter does not get it, the runner is in big time danger. They will be barreling down the third base line directly at the hitter, and if the hitter swings bad things can happen to say the least. Get those signals down pat and make sure you are on the same page.
Once the skills are in order, you have to wait for the right moment to attempt a suicide squeeze. You first want to make sure that there is less than two outs. With two out, the fielder will simply throw to first base for the out. Next, you want to make sure the runner can get a good jump towards home plate.
Study the opposing pitcher and see if he is paying attention to the runner. If you are not careful, it is very easy to get picked off of third base while attempting a suicide squeeze. When the time is right, and you are sure you can get a good jump, signal for a suicide squeeze.
As soon as the pitch makes his move towards home, send the runner from third base. At the same time, the hitter should turn to take a bunting stance. Before the pitch, the hitter should look at where he wants to place the ball. If the third baseman is back, then he should go down the third base line. If the first basemen is back then go that direction. If they are both in, then you should not attempt a suicide.
As the runner heads down the line, the batter will bunt the ball into the field of play. As the fielders attempt to field the ball, the runner should have a better than average chance at scoring if they slide.
Some common problems that a batter may run into is that the pitcher could pitch out. In this situation they should do what they can to get in the way. They can not leave the batter’s box, but they can put the bat out there to make the pitch out less effective.
If the runner is fast enough, he can sometimes beat out a suicide squeeze that is foiled with a pitch out. Most of the time, if executed properly, the suicide squeeze will get that runner over.
