Holding the Runner at 1B?

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What is the opinion on having the 1st Baseman "hold the runner" at 1B in women's fastpitch softball. When I say "hold the runner" I mean having the 1st Baseman set up right behind and very close to the bag, if there is a runner on 1B. The object being that it is easier/quicker for the 1st Baseman to receive a snap throw from the catcher, once the pitch is made. Normally, with no one on base I have the first baseman set up well in front of the bag towards home. Therefore, from this position, the 1st Baseman has to turn her back to the catcher momentarily in order to get back to the bag to receive the snap throw from the catcher. Wondering what the general opinions/experiences/suggestions are from the fastpitch universe on this topic. :cap:

 

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Of course it all depends on the exact situation, but in general I am going to say if I have a runner on 1B, and 1B is set up behind the bag, I am bunting down the 1B line. The slightly increased chance of picking a runner off of 1B is not worth the risk of giving up a bunt hit in my opinion. Again, it all depends on the exact situation ...

 

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I have to agree with "coach" ...and with that being said, if you drill your first baseman enough on a good drop step and a shuffle at best and they have an awareness of where they are in reference to the bag they should never have to take their eye off the catcher or the ball to receive the throw at first. i have my 1B play 8-10 feet in front of the bag with a cross over setp and a backhand off the line...they always know where they are at on the field. Naturally this changes as we anticipate bunts and slaps, but in those case we are having our 2nd baseman cover the bag or hold the runner.

 

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Where your first baseman sets up depends on the mobility of both your first baseman and your pitcher.
I have a very good defensive pitcher that I want to field the ball and a very slow first baseman that panics easily.
I'm setting her in front of the base only a step or two off and inviting the bunts down the line having my pitcher cover that hole.
This arrangement allows the catcher to snap throw down to first with a chance that the first baseman can catch the ball and make a tag.

I don't think setting up behind the runner is smart because the runner will be crossing in front of the reciever with a very good chance of deflecting the ball on her dive back.

 

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I think the bigger question is the level of play and talent of the girls involved.

I think most if not all would agree that most often the 1st basemen should be set up in front of the bag. But you have to take into account the players involved. I am coming to the stark reality that HS softball (my DD is a Frosh) is NOT over crowded with talented players. And that you sometimes have to make adjustments to the "accepted ways" to make outs and do what your team allows you to do. My DD is playing 3rd and at practice she threw to second to get the lead running and the 2nd bases mitt was torn off her hand.....now I like to think my DD has a great arm but.....it is not that good....LOL. So I have been told that I need to relax and treat HS ball like a gathering of friends having fun. Our team is not in jeopardy of winning much. I am regretting not having my DD's pitch because her HS team has almost none and it is hard to play softball with no pitching.

 

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I think the bigger question is the level of play and talent of the girls involved.

I think most if not all would agree that most often the 1st basemen should be set up in front of the bag. But you have to take into account the players involved. I am coming to the stark reality that HS softball (my DD is a Frosh) is NOT over crowded with talented players. And that you sometimes have to make adjustments to the "accepted ways" to make outs and do what your team allows you to do. My DD is playing 3rd and at practice she threw to second to get the lead running and the 2nd bases mitt was torn off her hand.....now I like to think my DD has a great arm but.....it is not that good....LOL. So I have been told that I need to relax and treat HS ball like a gathering of friends having fun. Our team is not in jeopardy of winning much. I am regretting not having my DD's pitch because her HS team has almost none and it is hard to play softball with no pitching.

Yes... I remember those "situations" from HS days all too well...

First, it depends on a LOT of things. The level of competition is a huge factor. By playing behind the bag, the first and second batters on a high level experienced team will drag a bunt down the line and be on first base - with the runner from first now on second base. I'd put more trust in my catcher holding the runner on first with a snap throw to the second baseman. I lost count how many times a throw behind the runner (to first base) in travel games allowed the runner a free base. So why throw behind the runner? Let your catcher do the job she's best at - accurate throw downs to second base.

IMO, holding a runner on first is a baseball pitcher's job. Preventing a fastpitch runner from advancing to second on a steal is the catcher's job. And all the fake throws in the world won't scare a determined and speedy runner from stealing when the opportunity presents.

 

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These are all great comments guys. Thanks a bunch. Most of the comments are in line with what my hesitations were, but I just wanted verification. In my opinion one of the the worst things a coach can do is go off on his own without thinking it through or asking the opinions of others.