ITB --> International Tie Breaker

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I am sure this has been discussed on here before...but what is your strategy as a coach when you are thrown into the ITB situation. Are you...get that runner moved to third with a bunt or go up there swinging and hope for a big inning?? Do your thoughts and strategy change if that 1st batter isn't successful moving the runner? Any other opinions or strategy??? And I realize a lot of things like, where we are at in the lineup or who is on base and who the batter is may change a few things....but in general what are your thoughts???

 

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my strategy barring a stud hitter who is red hot is to score that run.if two bunts score her so be it.but it depends so much on thousand variables who is runner can she steal what age group?where u r at in lineup if hot part of order is up and next inning not so hot part is up may go for win now and swing away.ultimately if you win great decision if lose wrong decision lol

 

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Offensively, must move the runner. Jasbo is right on... for sure is lineup/base-runner dependent. And 'not doing' the traditional thing is key too. Off-balance is always in the cards.
Defensively, with no outs and a weak batter... many options. As the recorded outs are obtained, the strategy changes for every batter and even every pitch. Work the strike zone and make sure you have your small-ball specialists in the field as well. And outfield neutral to get the flares that always seem to occur in moments like this. This reply is very incomplete but that is some gist of my thoughts.

 

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Agree with Jasbo and Lester. Also, are you tied at 0-0 or 12-12? In other words, if 1 run will most likely do it, then a different stragtegy should be considered than if you anticipate them to score more than 1 during their at bat.

 

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I agree with everyone above. In fact, it sounds as if you already know how to look at things Lady Knight. Your post within itself kind of answers your own question but I understand you trying to see if there's a more successful strategy flying around out there. You already have it coach! That's not new to us.

 

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Personally I like the bunt to 3rd then suicide squeeze....LOL. I have seen that more than once. Which seems crazy but it worked both times (12U and 14U). But I would not advise this one actually. Seems so risky.

The strategy is so dependent on the players available that it is really hard to have much of a standard attack. I do think you must get that runner to 3rd. Bunt, ground ball to 2nd or 1st. And then once to 3rd with 1 out you get her in. I like giving a bunt look and maybe you get a high fastball that you can drive into OF. I have noticed sac flies are very common in 14U and up.

 

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At the older ages it's imperative they know how to get the bunt down and do their job. Too many kids don't know how to execute that basic because growing up they only wanted to swing for the glory. Don't over think situations, it's usually a basic to move that runner regardless of pitch location. That runner has to get moved and is something that should be practiced as well. Even at practice everyone knows it's coming, so if you can pull it off there, then your table should be set for you to do in a game.

 

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Visiting team always has to play for one run. Home team will know what they need.

Visiting team should work count before bunting. Show bunt but pull back. Most pitchers in older ages will throw riseballs to induce popped up bunt and some of those get away. You may be able to get to third without using an out. After a strike on batter - lay down bunt. Then again work the count until you are sure you will get a good pitch before calling squeeze. A fly ball works just as well or a ground ball to right side will often work if the infield is back.

Defensively we give the first bunt and take the out. Try to get popped up bunt or K on second out and then play normal.

Home team can play as they need. One run use above strategy. Always work to tie game back up first and then win it.

 

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A wise old coach always says to me, "You can't worry about the 2nd run till you get the 1st". I agree with him. That being said, I am visitor every chance that I can be. I played a great 12U game against Thunder Elite-Jones this spring. It went triple-ITB. I was visitor of course, I bunted/bunted to score the run and got the run every inning. He played for the big inning and swung away. He ended up on top in the 3rd ITB, but I would still do it the same way today. I have won more ITB than I have lost but I suppose its to each, their own. I will get my run and make you press for yours. Just my thoughts...

 

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I agree with most of what has been posted. I prefer to start by moving the runner to 3B with a sac bunt unless we're home team and chasing more than 1 run. Getting the runner to 3B usually brings the defense in, which improves the next batter's odds of getting a hit. I'm amazed by players at upper levels that don't know how to properly execute a sac bunt.

1. Square early. Everybody is expecting it, so get in position to get a good bunt down.

2. Pull back if not a strike and/or a pitch you can get down. It's not a squeeze where you have to go after the pitch and make contact.

If you're hitting away with the runner on 2B against an advanced team, be prepared to do something other than hit it to the right side because they won't give you a pitch to do it.