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Just was wondering how most teams handle a throw to 3rd from the catcher wanting to pick off the runner stealing from 2nd? I have the SS cover but a parent is stating they thought the left fielder should cover.
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Either 3rd or SS cover depending on how 3rd is playing the batter.
LF cover 3B on a steal attempt?!?!? You're kidding right?
LF cover 3B on a steal attempt?!?!? You're kidding right?
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you can get away with your left fielder at 10U and maybe some 12U. If you want to teach them the way most older teams do it is SS cover. Left fielder is a back up.
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I agree SoftballDad2013. 3rd or SS, depending on the situation
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Right On! If you have the Big Ten Network try to catch a few softball games and see how it's done at that level.
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I suspect the parent is talking about LF covering 3rd on a bunt (not steal) when there is a runner on first. The SS will then be covering second. I have seen some older teams use the catcher for this though. The LF has no chance to cover on a steal.
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Depends on the situation who covers, either SS or 3rd. Never leftfield, who is going to back up the throw?
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On a steal attempt for sure SS!
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Bohica, if the left fielder ever covers a base, other than when someone else forgets you have an issue. The issue being, who is the backup in the event of an errantly thrown ball if the fielder covers the bag? SS covers and they should be taught to recognize the jump of the runner on 2 by using the peripheral vision. There are drills you can do to make this a natural reaction vs a delayed reaction.
I agree with everyone on this post to this point. You can at 10u maybe younger 12u get away with having the left fielder cover, but not anything above those levels. You are just asking for trouble.
I agree with everyone on this post to this point. You can at 10u maybe younger 12u get away with having the left fielder cover, but not anything above those levels. You are just asking for trouble.
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I wouldn't even use a LF to cover on a bunt. Your are still opening up the exposure to an errant overthrown ball with no back up which will lead to the potential scoring of a run.
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weakest player.......for sure
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Feisty, you mentioned drills. Got any handy? I've got a 12U team ready to learn.
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Hey Philbob, send me a PM with your personal e-mail. I have some that I will share. Have to work the Cav's game tonight so won't be until tomorrow.
Gretch ;&
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Agree, no back up is a bad situation. Just curious, do you have ss cover 3rd on the bunt with a runner on first and give up the potential force at second? Or do you use the catcher as I have seen. It takes an athletic catcher to do this.
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Above Pitcher not catcher.
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Did anybody say it depends on the situation, it might be the 3rd basemen or the SS :lmao: If they did, I agree!!!!
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My preferred method on a bunt with runner of first:
1B stays home. RF crashes line/foul territory for overthrow to 1st base. RF needs to align with thrower and base.
2B covers 2nd. CF covers overthrow to 2nd base.
SS covers 3rd. LF crashes into foul territory for overthrow to 3rd base from 1st or 2nd base. LF needs to align with thrower and base.
3B, P, and C crash to the bunt. C makes decision on who is to retrieve the bunted ball. C also determines where to throw ball. Once the ball is thrown, C returns to home plate.
My reasoning:
The 1B is usually one your slowest players in the infield so I would keep her home. All bases are covered and backed up.
Len
1B stays home. RF crashes line/foul territory for overthrow to 1st base. RF needs to align with thrower and base.
2B covers 2nd. CF covers overthrow to 2nd base.
SS covers 3rd. LF crashes into foul territory for overthrow to 3rd base from 1st or 2nd base. LF needs to align with thrower and base.
3B, P, and C crash to the bunt. C makes decision on who is to retrieve the bunted ball. C also determines where to throw ball. Once the ball is thrown, C returns to home plate.
My reasoning:
The 1B is usually one your slowest players in the infield so I would keep her home. All bases are covered and backed up.
Len
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What level is this Len? I am not saying your wrong in your coverage, but nobody crashing from the 1st base side?
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You fake 1B crashing. Responsibility is C if bunt is short, P if bunt is medium to long. P and C have better throwing angles to first than 1B, and it is very hard for most batters to lay a perfect bunt down the 1B line (read RH batters). Catcher must be quick, agile, and smart. P has to break out of circle hard. Against lefties and great bunters I would crash 1B and have P cover 3rd once ball is fielded, 2B cover 1st, SS cover 2nd, and C stay home.
It's just my preferred method, not my only method. I like it because the bases are covered quickly and efficiently.
Len
It's just my preferred method, not my only method. I like it because the bases are covered quickly and efficiently.
Len
