about this. Maybe those of you who are familiar with this first and third defense can answer my question.
Some teams employ a first and third defense where both middle infielders break towards second when the runner at first breaks for second. One MIF covers the bag while the other moves into a "cutoff" position in front, somewhere around the grass edge.
If the runner at third breaks, the cutoff MIF catches throw and returns it to the catcher. If R3 doesn't break the MIF allows the ball to continue on to the MIF covering 2nd.
My question is this. How is it possible for the MIF's to get into those positions w/o vacating their own positions early? And if they do vacate early, would a team who makes fake steal breaks not cause problems? Opening up the entire middle infield for the hitter.

EXACTLY!!!

It is a GREAT situation to hit and run!!! Of course, most teams are just thinking double steal. But, if we scout someone that runs that play 100% of the time, we'll mix in a straight hit and run.

The level of play will determine what the best move is. At the younger levels the fake steal , bunt was very effective. Usually no one was covering the bag at first because the 1b charged and the middle broke to second for the 1st and 3rd defensive play.

But the only problem with the hit and run in this situation is you can run yourself out of a big inning. Line drive dbl play , missed swing caught stealing , etc etc.

There is pressure on the defense in a 1st and 3rd situation. Sometimes the fear that you might put something on offensively is more advantageous than actually putting anything on. Especially if you have a good hitter at the plate.

It's a good defense but you got to know when to use it. Back in Kentucky there was a team I would NEVER call it on because they were a good hit and run team. Too big of a chance. Overall we rarely called it because we were going to play most everything straight up. If we were playing a team that was adventurous on the basepaths then probably call it more.

My teams have gotten out of some jams because of it but the hit and run has got us a couple of times too. You just have to take a chance and hope for the best. Just like calling a hit and run isn't always the best decision or a great decision that still doesn't work out.

I'm sure you all know this but you can pick at third from the catcher. Just have him pump to 2B and then pop one down to 3B.

Ryno23 , We always have our SS cover in our 1st - 3rd plays, Second base only has to vacate on the cut play, we have up to 4 seperate plays that we use, depending on the team age group.

If we cut or throw thru, is dictated by game situations, i.e. score, speed of particular runners, etc...

At 14U, we trust the catcher and SS to make the right play. They usually get the out. If the runner at third takes a chance to score, we usually get him too. Early in the game, get the guy at second. Later in the game, score and situation decides the play. There are no set signals. They decide based on what they think they can get out. If the coach has a priority, he yells it out from the dugout. I am not sure if opposing coaches think our guys are trying to trick them or what, but the coaches trust the kids ability to make a play.

Well "High School" we have three things we do. #1 Throw the runner out and the pitcher fakes a cut to home as the ball is going by him. This is used the vast majority of the time.

#2 We have the pitcher cut play. The SS breaks to the bag 3b acts like he is moving up and then breaks to 3b. The pitcher ducks like the throw is going through and then takes the throw looking at the 3b runner.

#3 Catcher comes out pumps to 2b throws to 3b.

I would say 95% of the time we are throwing through. If you have good arms in the middle and behind the plate they are in trouble trying to score from 3b on this play.

That is true about the hit and run, but you can always say that about the hit and run. Risk/reward is what you have to ask yourself about any situation. If I don't want to take the chance of lining into a DP, then I won't hit and run.

Otherwise, I'd never get upset if we hit a line drive, even if it means we get doubled up.

FD, you have a PM.