fielding the bunt
Question
im coaching a 10u team in the spring,was wanting to teach defending the bunt properly,if it matters my pitchers are very athletic and quick.thanks for your time
Answer
Typically teams will play the 1B and 3B inside the baselines to help guard against bunts. 2B almost always covers 1B on any bunt. The 1B, P, and 3B are responsible for covering the respective areas in front of them. The catcher is usually reponsible for balls that fall anywhere within a 3 foot radius in front of the plate.
With a runner on 1st Base the SS covers 2B and whoever doesn't field bunt between 3B and Pitcher will cover 3B. The 2B again covers 1B. Many teams (especially colleges) will protect their pitchers by having the catcher cover 3B and the 3B cover home if needed in this situation.
With runners on 1st and 2nd the goal is to protect the corners so either get the lead runner going to 3B or the out at 1B. The SS covers 3B and 2B will be covering 1B as usual. 2nd base is generally ignored in this situation however you can have the CF cheat toward 2nd base as a deterrent (too risky throwing to a player without a backup).
I instruct my players go for the lead runner if they get the ball quickly otherwise the only play will be at first. If in doubt ?get the out.
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