The kids need to be taught how to execute an underhand toss and it needs to be practiced a lot. The outfielder that has the ball hit in front of them, either the Left Fielder or Right Fielder sprints straight towards the ball, and doesnt slow down until they see the ball cleanly fielded by an infielder. The Left Fielder and Right Fielder, in most cases, back up the corner base on their side of the field. In this case getting to the initial backing-up position is not a concern because the Pitcher is backing up third base. When you dig into the final section, End of the Play | Transition to the Next Batter, your club is reaching a point of taking full control of the game. (NOTE: at the 12u level we do not teach players to straddle the base. Before the base has any useful function for a player on defense, they need to have the ball. The Center Fielder, on every potential throw to second base, is sprinting to get into position to back up the base. Note: These diagrams are old and will be replaced at some point. The pitcher is the cut-relay to home on All balls hit to the outfield - reasons: Often the pitcher is the best athlete on the field; we want them handling the ball as much as possible. Holler loudly to the defense, where to throw the ballor to Eat it and run the ball in to the Pitcher (if there is no play). She begins with bunt and slap defense, moves on to . The first and third base defenders should be approximately 3 feet (9 m) in front of their base and 3 feet from the foul line. Ball, Base, Back-up always applies. If the ball goes to a corner base they, players then throw the ball around the infield, base to base; each using proper Underhand Toss technique. With each step, the base runners are less and less likely to attempt to advance. Softball Bunt Defense Explained Antonelli Softball is the #1 online resource for softball instruction. They execute this rule by sprinting towards the ball (explain that we never assume the infielders are going to field/stop the ball). Softball Oklahoma remains No. First action is always Towards the Ball. This coverage will be up to one defensive back to make any adjustments needed against a good passing attack and support any players who lose in their man-to-man coverage. The corner position will play the "flats." NOTE: In this section we are addressing most of the situations that could come up during game play. The odds of making a throw that gets past the player covering the base are pretty high. They see the base is covered, so go to their next responsibility of backing-up the base. NOTE: The rule of thumb, when the ball is hit to the center fielder, Pitcher or catcher, is the shortstop is positioned to handle the ball. NOTE: in the instance of a ball being hit to the catcher or pitcher, the shortstop and second baseman are still moving towards the ball which has been hit in the space between the two positions. [More importantly, this baiting game wastes time and takes away from the other players (also parents and coaches) waiting for the game to continue. We are teaching our players to always anticipate that another play needs to be made. The fact is, the bases are out there for the runners. Our first goal is to pound in the idea of keeping the ball moving. Former Gophers defensive backs Jordan Howden and Terell Smith were selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. When players take the learning and habits established on the Mini Diamond to the regular sized field, their work can focus primarily on throwing, catching and timing. In this cicumstance, another player (Shortstop or Pitcher) will cover third base. Call out number of OUTS and location of RUNNERS before each new batter, After the ball is put into play: holler, in a loud voice, where to make the play (Infielders Echo the call on, Communication on Cut-Relay Plays to Home Plate. And they won't get it the first or second time we will have to teach it over and over. Stop them when they pick-up the ball! There is one ball that needs to be fielded, and three bases needing to be backed up. It would be nice for the 9-11 age group to get into this part, but its not life or death. Once our players establish the habit (requirement) of getting into motion each time the ball comes off the bat, each play, it is now much simpler to keep them moving to make a play on the Ball, move to cover a Base, or move to Back-up a Base. There are times where the direction of the throw to second base is such that it can be a challenge for the Center Fielder to get into position to back up the throw. to avoid collisions during games/scrimmage. Balls hit to the 3B/SS side of the infield are the responsibility of the Left Fielder. Calls out ground ball to . This reduction in distance greatly increases the chances of executing a successful throw and catch play. The second baseman covers first - when the first baseman in ranging to their right or coming in on a ground ball often the pitcher is also attempting to make a play on the ball, or is slow in getting off the rubber. The pitcher (and sometimes one of the infielders) backs up the corner base on the side of the infield the ball is hit. While moving out to a given position, the coach hollers, Ground ball to [position]!, Which ever side of the field the ball is going to, the LF/RF sprints straight towards the ball, stopping only when they come within a few feet of the coach. Note that we have the younger kids positioned further from the bases. This is a pressure play on the defense, but with a fair amount of practice should be able to make the play at home on a fairly routine basis. We breakdown the m Antonelli Softball SOFTBALL INFIELD INSTRUCTION, DRILLS, AND. Proper positioning is a few inches in front of home plate. Stop the runners - the runners stop when they determine that further advancement might put them at risk of getting out. The second-base defender is now ready to receive the throw at first from the fielder (i.e., the first-base player). One of the most valuable tools a coach can use is the Mini Diamond. The assumption of the outfielder, each time the ball is put into play in the infield, is that it will not be fielded and the outfielder will be getting the ball. Moving outfielders back or in based on the power of the batter. Make sure you explain that only one person is allowed to pick up the ball; otherwise, you may have several players tackling each other to get to the ball. We want the Catcher running the game. The FS looks at the offensive alignment and. 2. When the defense limits the runners attempts to advance, they reduce the number of throws they have to make, and therefore reduce the number of chances to make a mistake at this level, the players are good at making mistakes :). This means, once they recognize they are not responsible to get the ball, their responsibility becomes the base. Soon they will be making quick and sound decisions for making throws. Usually its the corner base; sometimes they are needed to back up throws to second base. If the Catcher does have to move a greater distance to get a loose ball, it becomes the responsibility of the pitcher to cover home plate. Often at the youth level of baseball and softball, kids are so consumed by the play they just made that they forget that there might another runner trying to get to the next base. There will be times however, when another player can get to the area around the pitching rubber easier, and quicker, than the pitcher. The remaining players are placed along the first base line and will rotate into the drill at the catching position. The first movement of all three outfielders is towards the ball. --> The rule for the RIGHT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. We need to practice this often. Question: what percentage of balls in the 12u game are hit at laser speed, ankle high to the 2-foot space where the player is positioned? Base. HINT: tell the player they can Watch the Play from the Base. The free safety usually dictates the defensive coverage adjustments. ***we know the runner is going to the side of the base facing the previous base. This final section is probably more than what is needed for kids 9 and under. They want to throw the ball. Plant their foot on the base and stretch forward with the other foot. When the Catcher comes back in the dugout, we now have an opportunity to teach. Solution: constant reminding that baseball is a printing game. As the season progresses we want to teach our players that their our positioning on the field in relationship to the bases and the ball changes each time the ball moves. Near the end of each play, the base runners will recognize they have advanced as far as they can do so safely. Solution: constant correcting until they get it right (effort and persistence on part of the coach, and the recognition that the concept its not as obvious to a kid as to an adult). The positioning of kids at the lower levels is such, so they learn: The bases belong to the runners; fielders spread out between the bases because their #1 priority is to get the ball. Positioning for play involving kids ages 9 and under. If a runner is attempting to advance to a base, the outfielder throws the ball directly to that base. These two players, positioned in the middle of the field, follow this simple rule: If the ball is hit to your Left and you arent fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Left; If the ball is hit to your Right and you arent fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Right. We want them to see that they can get to the corner base as easy as they can get to Second Base. This is an excerpt form Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball. There are three situations (also covered in greater detail later in this section) where the shortstop and second basemans response to this rule is modified slightly; when the ball is hit to the catcher, pitcher or center fielder: Catcher or Pitcher: shortstop covers second base; the second baseman backs up second base. The defenses below are standard bunt defenses, nothing revolutionary. On the infield side of the base (away from the path of the runner), Heel of throwing hand foot, next to center of the base (a few inches away, but not touching), Squared up and facing the ball, in a Ready Position (not a stretch^ position). Looking at the runner delays the application of the tag, AND may cause the fielder to take their eyes off the ball and miss the throw. Kids understand a key is needed to open the door to their house. Movement is critical. I am going to GO GET the ball - React towards the ball. Pickoff attempts require a specific defender to cover the base to try to catch the runner off base. Left Field. Usually the shortstop is a better player than the second baseman and we want the more talented player handling the ball as much as possible. (The center fielder is still there to back-up the throw to second base.). We also train our pitchers that, when they field a ball that takes them to the third base side of the rubber to feed the third baseman for a 1-5 put out. When it is recognized that another player will field the Ball. Point out to players that it only takes a second to cover the base. Five players are positioned at C, P, 1B, 2B, 3B. If a runner is attempting to score, the outfielder throws the ball to the Pitcher, who is the Cut-Relay player on plays to home plate. These diagrams are provided less as a suggestion to run a drill with all nine players and more as a visual that a coach can use as a learning tool in preparation for teaching their players. We've got some great eClinics that detail all types of defensive coverages. Then, if they see the ball is not coming to their area of the field, they go to their second responsibility of Backing-up a base. In most cases, there is not enough room behind home plate for the pitcher to get enough depth to properly back-up an over throw. Fully managed IT solutions to enjoy your direct business development | Being an expert in the critical online systems and applications management, HyperOps . We have the Second Baseman and Shortstop at a point nearly midway between second base and the corner base. If a play needs to be made at second base or first base, the play for the Third Baseman, with their momentum going to their left, is easier than for the Shortstop or the Pitcher. Also, in most drills, when we are working on other skills and game situations, by simply adding an extra player, we can incorporate the development of this important habit without eating up additional practice time. Given this common occurrence, which significantly impacts the number of runs a team gives up, why dont we invest time to drill and train our players to back-up throws to bases? Center Fielder: 60 beyond the second base bag. Pitcher respsonsibilities on a ball hit to center field or to the Catcher. The suggestions below are Regular. In this case, the First Baseman progresses to the Back-up responsibilityall players follow the same progression of the Rule: 1) Ball, 2) Base, 3) Back-up. Back-up - Occasionally, when the First Baseman is aggressively going for the Ball, the play will evolve with the Pitcher and Second Baseman fulfilling the Ball and Base responsibilities. First action is always Towards the Ball. Coach rolls a ball to one of the four infielders. This is an effective analogy, especially for younger players. priority #1 is to stop the ball from going past first base, so the runner has to stay at first base. That is where a catcher catches pitches. Once they are in motion it is easier for them to continue moving to the spot on the field where they are fulfilling their defensive responsibility. When the ball is near the pitching rubber, the player with the ball is an equal, and significant, threat to all base runners. Attention Span: Constant diligence is a better phrase. The section directly above addresses the actions of the Middle Infielders on a ball hit to centerfield, the Pitcher, or Catcher. 6. 0. The magnet principle is a basic concept that can be used to help young players learn defensive coverage. This forces the player to move far away from their base making it clear to the other infielders that it is not covered. More importantly, we want them to understand that by prioritizing the ball they prevent the runner from advancing to the next base. The drill has the corner outfielders only backing up first or third. Point out to them that quite often throws do not come straight to the base. By adhearing to the rule: Ball, Base, Back-up and running the kids the drills, a coach will grasp the system. Cassie Cunniff (Sr./Mt. The Buckeyes got the victory by a dominating 9-0 margin, and despite having a lot of offense, it was the pitching that was the story of the game. The visual is the first baseman catching the ball with their foot on the base standing in a stretch position. That fact, coupled with limited practice time we have at the youth level, results in kids not getting the reps needed learn the nuances of each position. The catcher's position in front of home plate. If they dont have the ball they are not allowed to access (touch) the base. * The Catcher is the only player that can see all the action on the field. If the throw is accurate, slide the throwing-hand foot/toe back against the side of the base. And worse case scenario they will keep the ball moving by running with it. . --> The rule for the LEFT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. If you are new to this level, you will soon find out how important it is to have every throw to a base to have player backing-up. The information presented in this section is Basic. When all bases are covered the drill repetition is over, Players return to their positions and the coach rolls the ball to a different player/position, After a few repetitions, put the players at different positions. Written by Cindy Bristow with over 35 years of softball coaching experience, Softball Strategies, Coverages, Signals & Charts gives you all the factors you should consider when deciding on your offensive strategy, from a hit and run to a squeeze play, it's all here in detail. When this concept is first introduced, the play in scrimmages will look a bit wonky because we are telling the players, if they dont know where to throw the ball, to take off running.
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