Who do you have cover

[default]

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.

If my 3rd baseman fields the bunt, by catcher covers. Why, because she is already moving in that directions. 3rd goes to cover home after the throw. This keeps my pitcher out of harms way and both players are moving in their natural progression.

I don't think it takes an athletic catcher, it takes practice and drilling to make it successful.

If my catcher fields the bunt, third base will return to cover with the runner on first.

It's a matter of teaching the girls to use their communications skills in a strong voice so all players are aware of who is taking the bunt.

 

[default]

If my 3rd baseman fields the bunt, by catcher covers. Why, because she is already moving in that directions. 3rd goes to cover home after the throw. This keeps my pitcher out of harms way and both players are moving in their natural progression.

I don't think it takes an athletic catcher, it takes practice and drilling to make it successful.

If my catcher fields the bunt, third base will return to cover with the runner on first.

It's a matter of teaching the girls to use their communications skills in a strong voice so all players are aware of who is taking the bunt.

Thanks Feisty.
We will be moving to this now that we are at 16U.
We have got away with the LF doing it the last few years because she is one of our best athletes, but realize she now will be playing deeper at 16U and having no backup is a problem.

 

[default]

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

I ask because most good bunters that I know would have no problem as a RH hitter putting a bunt down on the RF side and the odds of getting the runner out at 2nd is not that high.

I kind of think even if a 3rd baseman fields the bunt she would have no problem getting back to third if the runner tries to go from 1st to 3rd, SS covers 2nd, 2nd covers first, or bring them in to cover RF side, 1st crashes or covers 1st depending on what you do with your 2nd baseman. It allows for a throw behind the runner at second, takes away right field side and bases are all covered and backups in place.

I would not know in tournament who for the other team is a good bunter so I assume all are good bunters lol

 

[default]

I ask because most good bunters that I know would have no problem as a RH hitter putting a bunt down on the RF side and the odds of getting the runner out at 2nd is not that high.

I kind of think even if a 3rd baseman fields the bunt she would have no problem getting back to third if the runner tries to go from 1st to 3rd, SS covers 2nd, 2nd covers first, or bring them in to cover RF side, 1st crashes or covers 1st depending on what you do with your 2nd baseman. It allows for a throw behind the runner at second, takes away right field side and bases are all covered and backups in place.

I would not know in tournament who for the other team is a good bunter so I assume all are good bunters lol

There's so many ways to run a bunt defense. I've seen the SS and 2B crash, and 3B, CF, and 1B cover the bases. This came out of a slap defense. It was a college game but I cannot remember the teams.

Len

 

[default]

There's so many ways to run a bunt defense. I've seen the SS and 2B crash, and 3B, SS, and 1B cover the bases. This came out of a slap defense. It was a college game but I cannot remember the teams.

Len

I love the 64 defense against slappers, or I should say my slap hitting DD loves the 64 slap defense. I do think the 54 slap defense is good though, probably IMO best way to handle slappers, and if there is a runner on base you dont have to change.

Good points Len, I was just asking for a different perspective other then my own lol.

 

[default]

if you have a girl that can beat a runner to 3rd from second from left field make catch and tag i want an autograph

 

[default]

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

We cover all bunts that way.....Because if 3rd, Pitcher, and Catcher cant cover it, having 1st basegirl charging in wont help either, plus she is in the line of fire if anyone else does get it. 1st basegirl plays in but does not charge in, to cover those hard fast bunts down the 1st base line.

 

[default]

if you have a girl that can beat a runner to 3rd from second from left field make catch and tag i want an autograph

This thread kinda evolved from covering third on a steal from second to bunt coverage with runner on first. I think we all agree SS and 3B if she is back is the original answer.

 

[default]

IF LF Covers and the Catcher Over throws... lol... Most have SS cover... I Like to Leave 3b Back a little.... unless the Bunt is obvious . I Hate to Leave the Middle WIDE open by rolling the SS Everytime. And If your SS is in her 3rd game of the Day thats a lotta wear and Tear.

 

[default]

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

Agree.