What position should the weakest defender play?

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Just a thought, but as they get older, maybe the safest place to put them is at 3rd? 3rd only has to charge a bunt and throw to first, short usually is covering on the steal, so 3rd doesn't do as much as 2nd does.

No way I would put a "weaker" player @ 3rd base.....especially an older girl. The throw on a bunt from 3rd usually has to be thrown very hard and accurate. This can be tough play for even a seasoned 3rd baseman. You make an error on that throw and a bunt for a single usually turns into 2 and probably a score if there was a runner already in scoring position.
Not to mention......I don't want an unathletic 3rd baseman taking a ripped hit down the line to the noggin.

just my opinion - NO WAY 3rd base

 

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I'm going to have to go with mustohio on this one, scorebook is the safest place. Triplethreat's idea to trade them to the other team is good as well. Every game is different so to really say where you would place the weaker player depends on who you are playing.

If a player is so bad they can't play any position why put them on your team and have an unhappy player? I hope you were kidding. Unfortunately some people probably aren't and keep them around because play or not they are usually at every practice and game hoping to get a chance. Worse yet only on the team so they can help pay for a team where they will never play.

 

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No way I would put a "weaker" player @ 3rd base.....especially an older girl. The throw on a bunt from 3rd usually has to be thrown very hard and accurate. This can be tough play for even a seasoned 3rd baseman. You make an error on that throw and a bunt for a single usually turns into 2 and probably a score if there was a runner already in scoring position.


just my opinion - NO WAY 3rd base

Agreed. Any opposing coach worth his/her salt will pick up on that weakness and you will get small balled to death.

 

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If a player is so bad they can't play any position why put them on your team and have an unhappy player?

The original question doesn't state that they are a bad player, but it is really a question regarding where to put the "weakest" player of your starting nine.

Here is the original question:

I personally believe the weakest defender should be placed in left field - if the pitcher is good and fast enough that most hitters cannot get around on the ball. Otherwise put them in Right field.

A coach that I admire insists that the weakest defender should be put at second base. He believes that they get the lowest amount of action no matter who is on the mound.

I'm looking for opinions?

 

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The original question doesn't state that they are a bad player, but it is really a question regarding where to put the "weakest" player of your starting nine.

Here is the original question:

I was refering to the posts I quoted not the original question. But thanks anyway for your helpfulness.

 

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I didn't intend to "call you out" and I realize you were just responding to their posts. My intention was to keep the discussion on topic.

 

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The right answer is that there is no right answer. The best spot for the weakest player will change moment to moment with different hitters and situations so unless you want to move them around all game you need to make a decision. Traditionally many will place the weakest in the outfield. Consider that an outfield mistake can clear the bases. Infield you might get nickle and dimed to death with errors. Find out what skills the player is best at and fit that to a position. The last thing you would want to do is put a player that is a marginal infielder but a disasterous outfielder in the outfield.
I favor keeping it simple for struggling players by sticking to one position, working with them on conservative decision making and fundamentals. Instill as much confidence in them as possible and they might just surprise you.

 

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On the team I play for, we put our weakest fielder at third base.

 

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Re: What position should the weakest defender play

Maybe it's just me, but "on the bench" is not a very helpful response. ?Maybe OFC is just a travel ball website, but some people have teams that either by the rules have to play every player, or they want to give every girl a chance to play, and the coach is wanting to know what position the weakest defender should play. ?Some people don't have a team full of ace players; there are a lot of mediocre teams out there.

Wait until H.S.! Case in point I had a parent call me knowing that I ump H.S. Softball several years ago wanting to know the H.S. Rule in reference to players sitting the bench as his "DD" had done for most of the season.

My answer there is none! Is it fair? Maybe not. I'm certain the parent didn't like my response, but I have to steer clear of those type of questions from parents. I cannot allow myself to get involved with what any team or coach does except when it's game time and then that only applies to the rules of the game, and not during practice sessions. Then again I'm not the coach nor would I know each individual circumstance of the H.S. Team.

As for the placement of the weakest defender, Centerfield with fast fielders to each side of her to assist in the event of a ball hit to her direction. If not place her in LF and pray for alot of Foul Balls!;& But up against a stronger team, it seems they can search out and find the weakest link on the field.

FASTPITCH! Anything else, And you're playing to SLOW!

 

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For all that post weakest player should not be on team or on bench. There is always a weakest player on every team from Pro to peewee. Our job as coaches is to try to make her better so there isn't as big of a gap from your other players.

 

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I personally believe the weakest defender should be placed in left field - if the pitcher is good and fast enough that most hitters cannot get around on the ball. Otherwise put them in Right field.

A coach that I admire insists that the weakest defender should be put at second base. He believes that they get the lowest amount of action no matter who is on the mound.

I'm looking for opinions?

WOW...STRENGTH UP THE MIDDLE CF , SS , 2B , P , C.... a Must ! 2B gets Lots of Balls...esp. if your Pitching is Lively (hence Late swinging RH Hitters) You can use a girl with a Good glove and Limited athletism and she will Make all the Plays IN FRONT of Her...but few of the Plays in the Holes. Ideally You have 2 SS Types up the Middle your Pitcher and her Parents , will THANK YOU for that !!