How important is the short game?

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After watching my HS team struggle with the execution of the offensive short game, and alot of the same with my travel team over the last couple weeks, it got me to thinking. ?
How important is the short game to other teams, HS or travel? ?What is your coaching philosophy when it come to bunting and slapping? ?How do your parents feel about "the short game?"

I personally "love" the short game. ?I like to put pressure on the other team, and constantly keeping them guessing. ?It adds excitement to the game, and when executed properly, it can be a "game changer." ?

So, whats your thoughts?

 

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You must have a rocket in your car to get home so fast from Massillon. It was a pleasure to meet you coach. I think you have to play to the strengths of your team and also play to the weaknesses of you opponent. The short game will always be important in softball and when exicuted properly can create and expose weaknesses. Good luck to you and your team through the rest of the season. Maybe we'll get to see you again this year.

 

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Here's a brainstorm I had. If you have kids on your team that play rec or local ball during the week, ask that they not hit away during those games and instead only bunt, slap, or slug?

 

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Blazer, took the 2-0 loss, to a very good Northcoast Lady Fire team, a little tough, so I hurried back home to my little cubby hole, in front of the computer.......after a 2 hour nap.
It was a pleasure to meet you as well, and I hope your DD listens to some of the advice and takes it easy on that ankle, so shes ready for next weekend. Take Care!!

 

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It's a crucial component that many, many players simply cannot execute and at travel levels that is a basic requirement they all should have. I have seen way too many H.S. and travel games lost because they can't.

 

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While there has been some trend to more hitting away as the batters and bats have caught up some to the pitching, as long as the pitchers are at 40-43 feet, and bases are 60 feet, a coach is crazy not to teach and utilize the short game. Every player on a team should practice and be able to bunt when the situation calls for it. As you say, it puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Of course you have to look at each individual situation ... score, number of outs, hitters on deck, etc.

 

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Watch the college games this weekend and see how important it is. I have been lucky to be around both high school and traveling coaches that stress the short game. If you are facing a good pitcher, and have speed it might be the only way you have a chance to win. It takes ome time for some parents to understand when they start playing good softball and come to traveling ball that games are more 2-1 then 15-10, like rec ball. I like the parents that ask why did you have my kid bunt, with a runner on third and no outs. Some parents are just not use to that part of the game. Every practice we work on bunting. I think Wright State teaches the best small ball camps in the state. If you get a chance go to one and you will learn how to bunt or slap correctly.

 

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I have been to numerous clinics at Wright State, and have been using Coach Larabee's, and former coach Peterson's, short game style for 3-4 years, with my HS and my travel teams. ?I agree, there is no better style being taught for the short game, anywhere. ?
It is a little unconventional to what most have been taught or learned, and I wonder sometimes if that may be the problem I'm having. ?What do they say, "its hard to teach an old dog new tricks."

 

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My dd drag bunted in one game this weekend, and bunted in another. Both scored a run, AND my dd made it to first. In one game the bunt scored the winning run! I agree that in certain situations that is the perfect offensive move! ;D

 

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I agree. Some question you when they see it for the first time. MY 12UDD is getting very good at it. Have you had any problems with Blue yet. She got called for stepping out of the box. 1. at her age she can,t stride that far and two he didn't understand that the entire foot had to be outside of the box. She did exactly what she was instructed and stepped right on the top corner of the box. He admitted that was the first time he had seen the new bunting style. If you have a moving start it sure gives you and advantage and less foul balls hitting the plate.

 

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I compare bunting.... to shooting free throws. ?Both are required in there sport, but very few people want to practice doing them. ?The ones that practice will be very good at it, and the ones that don't, won't.
In basketball, as well as softball, when you can't hit your free throws (or get your bunts down) when you need to, your chances of winning are greatly diminished.

 

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Knights - I love that - a great analogy! Bunts ARE just like free throws, and when every kid can lay a bunt down (or make free throws), you win lots of close games! A much neglected part of the game.

 

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its an important part of the game, if a pitcher is dominating you its a way to make things happen. its also invaluable tool to have in international tie breakers!