Passed Ball

Question
Coach Mike,

Where is the best, and safest, place for a pitcher to position herself when covering home on a passed ball?  Many pitchers stand on the plate which looks like a good way to get their legs taken out by the runner.  When they stand slightly in front of the plate in fair territory, they feel the return throw may hit the sliding runner and roll away.

Thanks

Answer
Good question, Tom!  Many pitchers make the mistake of running directly to the plate for coverage and often don't block up the plate and slides are successfully made under their tag.  Best case scenario would be for the pitcher to position herself slightly up the baseline in foul territory then drop and block for the tag.  This is sometimes hard to do for ball which deflect to the right of the catcher because this forces the pitcher to catch with her back to the incoming runner then turn and tag, so for these balls have your pitcher slightly up the baseline in fair territory and drop and block plate for tag.
If you're concerned about your pitchers safety, have her position herself in front of the plate (fair territory) making sure she understands the the two-handed tag must be applied at the front of the plate to prevent a slide under her tag.  

Coach Mike