Bunt coverage

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For the last 2 years we have used the 1st base stays home with 3rd, P, C covering the bunts method. We have quick pitchers with good throwing arms though, so that helps. So far, ZERO bunts for hits directly due to this style of defense. Not kidding. Some bunts down 3rd or between 3rd and short have reached safely but none up the 1st base line or in front of the plate. But as we move up to 14u and beyond it may not work with how well the girls can bunt and place one. For now we'll stick with it. Also, we have the left fielder charge to cover 3rd if a runner on first and bunt is shown. Again, very successful for us so far. Think we've gotten burned on 1 or 2 due to our left fielder snoozing at the wrong time. But, as many have posted, whatever works best based on the players you have.

 

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For the last 2 years we have used the 1st base stays home with 3rd, P, C covering the bunts method. We have quick pitchers with good throwing arms though, so that helps. So far, ZERO bunts for hits directly due to this style of defense. Not kidding. Some bunts down 3rd or between 3rd and short have reached safely but none up the 1st base line or in front of the plate. But as we move up to 14u and beyond it may not work with how well the girls can bunt and place one. For now we'll stick with it. Also, we have the left fielder charge to cover 3rd if a runner on first and bunt is shown. Again, very successful for us so far. Think we've gotten burned on 1 or 2 due to our left fielder snoozing at the wrong time. But, as many have posted, whatever works best based on the players you have.

I would think that a speedy bunter who can hug the first base line with a hard bunt would beat out most with that defense?

 

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I am assuming you mean the left fielder covering third if there is a girl on first and the bunt is to the third base side?

How about having center field cover second and have ss cover third and 2nd cover first with both corners charging the bunt? Left field can then back up the throw to third if necessary. First can then become the back up at home if needed. I am torn on this and use more than one way.

Cincy

we use that also in the summer
Again I just tried to keep the pitcher in a back up role

Collen was playing RIGHT field when we tried to have her cover 3rd LOL

 

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I would think that a speedy bunter who can hug the first base line with a hard bunt would beat out most with that defense?

Definitely. It'll happen sooner or later that someone will put one down the 1st base line and beat it out due to the defensive strategy of keeping 1st base back. I'm sure more than a few times. But having 1st stay home will allow alot less to go wrong on all bunts, not just the ones up the 1st base line. alot less movement, confusion, and a much better 1st baseman covering 1st (like....say... the 1st baseman) who is able to handle the less than perfect throw that is the result many times from defensing bunts. Believe me, if someone was to consistently exploit the strategy of keeping 1st base back, we'd change immediately. At least against that opponent. It just works best for us right now.

 

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What about the the left fielder covering third when there is a girl on 1st,
and the the bunt is to the 3rd base side

Pitcher covers third if this is the case. If you bring left fielder in to cover then you have no backup. The pitcher will have way to much ground to cover to get in position to back-up this play if there is a play at third.

 

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Then I have to have my star pitcher cover home or A first base(man) cover home with no equipment.
Let the outfielder facing the play take it and the pitcher or 3rd back up 3rd base and the 1st baseman backs up home

I know this is not what most books say but I had one pitcher and I did everything possible to keep her out of harms way

1B covers home, pitcher backs up. Why does it make a difference if they have equipment or not? They cover other bases with out equipment and the runner must avoid contact. I don't like throwing to any base without a back up. I can't count how many times an opposing 3B coach thought they could go 1b to 3B on a bunt because nobody was covering 3b then my C slides in to take the throw and we have an easy out.

 

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well one thing is for sure it does make a difference sliding into home or 3rd even with rules. the mentality of being able to slide past home at full force and sliding too 3rd is different.

I started this way back when to make sure the outfield knew how important it was to come in and be a part of the game even on a bunt.

I will have to look at this again
thanks for the imput

 

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If you use my method posted earlier then you do not have to use the P and outfielders in the primary roles of covering a base, they would be backing up, and there would be no bickering back and forth.........LOL.


Len

 

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well one thing is for sure it does make a difference sliding into home or 3rd even with rules. the mentality of being able to slide past home at full force and sliding too 3rd is different.

Very true.

Len