batter protecting the base runner

Question
Myself and previous coaches have alway taught my 16 yr old daughter that if you want to protect the runner stealing 2nd base ( and you fake bunt to protect) that as the pitch approaches you bring the bat back towards the catcher to distract and also you won't be issued a strike if its a ball.  My daughters AAU coach wanted her to stay squared and miss the ball on purpose feeling that (in this case my daughter rt handed batter and the catcher left handed) the catcher would have to throw around the batter giving the runner better protection. I always tell my daughter to do what ever the coach requests but isnt this a wrong technique to teach in this situation?  

Answer
Hello Robert

I can see where this technique perhaps will help protect the stealing runner a bit more. I don't like second guessing other coaches however I agree with you. I wouldn't use his technique for three reasons. First I don抰 like the idea of a batter concentrating on intentionally missing a ball, second the ball could unintentional be popped up resulting in a double play, and third the umpire may call the batter out if they judge there is an intentional attempt to interfere with the throw. I like playing the percentages and a fake bunt ?steal is the safe bet.