Coverage on stealing second

Question
Hey Mike I coach my daughters 14U fastpitch team and was wanting some reassurance I guess that I am correctly teaching these girls that in most instances SS is to cover 2B on the steal from 1B runner and recieve the throw from the catcher while 2nd baseman runs behind to back her up. I played for 10 years, but I played 1st & OF, so I have studied HOURS of NCAA game tape and have found that this is the case almost everytime. My second baseman is a great ball player, but a "ballhog/showoff" so I am having a hard time getting her to buy-in, she runs to the base everytime. Thanks in advance for your insight! ~Coach Rae

Answer
Hello Rae,

You are correct, the shortstop will normally handle second base on steal attempts.  The only time you may consider changing this coverage is for instances where you have a slower than normal pitcher and the other team is pulling everything to left field.  You have to be very cautious doing this though.  A good Coach will make note of this and call a bunt and run on you.  With your second baseman covering 2nd on steals, you would leave yourself with no bunt coverage at 1st.  That is one of the main reasons this is not a good idea.  Maybe if you explain this scenario to your second baseman, she'll except her role better.  Good luck with the team and please let me know if I can help with anything else.

Coach Mike