Defending Against the Bunt

Defensive Bunt Coverage

-by Softball Authority Coach Jim Moyer

.

To be a solid fastpitch softball defensive team, your team must be well-drilled in fastpitch softball bunt coverage. This article will discuss the standard scheme that works best for your base defense. Moreso than other softball skills, practice and repetition will be paramount in executing bunt coverage, as this play requires an inordinate amount of team chemistry.

The typical layout of your defensive unit should have the 1st baseman playing in towards home about 3-5 feet. The 2nd baseman and Shortstop should be positioned somewhere behind the baseline (depending on the age and level of competition). The 3rd baseman should be positioned about 10-12 feet inside the bag towards home plate. This base positioning dictates that the 3rd baseman, 1st baseman, pitcher and catcher are the four players in position to field the ball. The ideal player to field the ball is the 3rd baseman. She needs to be the General on the field on bunt coverage plays as she is the player moving towards the play at 1st base and she should have the best vision of the entire play. As she is charging the ball, she needs to make the call as to who will field the ball. How many times have we seen 2 or more players converge on the ball and think the other player will make the play only to make no play at all? Too many!

The 3rd baseman should be charging the ball and call the position of the player that is in the best position to make the play.Probably the hardest bunt to field is the ball placed about 6 feet in front of home plate and down the 1st baseline. This is a prime example where team chemistry will come in to play. The 3rd baseman will have to quickly assess who has the best play on the ball.

Typically, the catcher would be the preferred choice since her momentum is headed towards 1st base; however, she may have been slow getting out of her position.Softball Bunt Coverage - No Runners on BaseWith no runners on base, 1st, Pitcher, Catcher, and 3rd are going to crash the ball. The 2nd baseman has the responsibility to cover 1st base and receive the throw. The rightfielder should take an angle to about 20 - 30 feet behind 1st base and near the foul line to cut off any errant throws. It's critical for the rightfielder to maintain a safe distance behind 1st base otherwise the errant throw to 1st base could well end up in the right field corner for a homerun. The centerfielder should take an angle to be positioned behind the rightfielder to help with retrieving an errant throw. The shortstop should head to 2nd base in case of an error at 1st base.

The leftfielder should take an angle to position herself behind the shortstop.Softball Bunt Coverage - Runner on 1st BaseTAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Don't even consider going for the lead runner and trying to get the out at 2nd base. It's fools gold and you would be lucky to make that play 10% of the time. All of the player's positioning is the same except for the shortstop and leftfielder. This is the MOST DISCIPLINED PLAY the shortstop will have to make.

Her instinct is to cover 2nd base for a steal, however, if she does that and the bunt is put in play, it will turn into a foot race between her and the runner to get to 3rd base (If the runner on 1st sees the shortstop at 2nd, she just continues running to 3rd knowing it's going to be a very difficult play for shortstop to run from 2nd to 3rd and be in position to make a catch and tag). To play this correctly, position the shortstop 5 feet closer to 2nd base so she is in position to cover the steal without having to break to the base prior to knowing if the ball is successfully bunted. If the ball is not bunted, she covers 2nd base for the steal. If the ball is successfully bunted she covers 3rd base. She can't cheat to cover 3rd base either, or if the runner on 1st is stealing the shortstop will be out of position to take the throw. The leftfielder will take an angle to be about 20 - 30 feet behind 3rd base and on the left field foul line to back up an errant throw.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runners on 1st and 2nd BaseAgain, TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Depending on the age and skill level of your team, it may be possible to get the lead runner at 3rd base. If the bunt is very short so the catcher can make a quick play, of if the bunt is too hard and the pitcher or 1st baseman can make a quick play, it COULD be possible to get the runner out at 3rd base. However, the odds are certainly not in your favor, and if the play is unsuccessful the result is having the bases loaded. Coverage on this play is the same as the coverage for a runner on 1st base coverage. The noted exception is the rightfielder needs to know on an overthrow she should be prepared to throw the ball home. Also, the leftfielder needs to take her backup position behind 3rd base in case the play is attempted at 3rd base.Softball Bunt Coverage - Bases LoadedThe unique thing about this play is that either 1st base or Catcher needs to make the call as to where to throw the ball. The 3rd baseman and pitcher have a much more difficult time knowing how close the runner is to home plate.

Also unique for this play, is that the catcher needs more discipline. She must immediately determine if another fielder can play the ball and toss it to her for the force out at home. If this is the case, she needs to take a 1st baseman's stance at the plate and be prepared to receive the throw and then throw to 1st base for a double play. She must also determine if she is the only player that can make a play on the ball and get the out at either home or 1st base. 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.

If there is ever ANY DOUBT about making the out at home, the fielders must take the out at 1st base.Softball Bunt Coverage - Look for the Double PlayWhen runners are on base and the bunt play is on, this is an ideal time to look for the double play. Typically the runners, especially a trailing runner, will take sizeable leadoffs on when the bunt is on. Train your players to react to a bunt that is popped up in the air. The easiest runner to double up is generally a runner on 1st base. Catch the pop up and fire the ball to 1st base for the force out. The lead runner is usually in a good enough position to be able to return to her base safely, however she probably is out of position to be able to advance when you throw to 1st for the double play.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Take the OutAlmost without exception, your team is far better off taking the out at 1st base. Considering the difficulty of getting the lead runner and the position you leave yourself in if the play is not successful, it's hardly ever worth the risk of going for the lead runner. I would submit the only time when it is imperative to get the lead runner is when the game-winning run is on 3rd base. Even if it is the game tying run on 3rd base, I would strongly consider taking the out at 1st base and allowing the runner on 3rd to score. If you go for the out at home and are unsuccessful, you have allowed the game to be tied and allowed the winning run on base or advance on the bases without getting an out. As a coach, you are finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and that's not a good thing.Remember that the key to having a successful fastpitch defense is to make a very high percentage of easy outs.

You must avoid giving up big innings to your opponent. In fastpitch softball, one big offensive inning can very easily decide the game. If you repeatedly play for the lead runner, you will consistently give up big innings. Further, if you can NOT shut down your opponents bunting game, you don't have much of a chance to win. In another article on this site, I tell the story of bunting 10 batters in a row one inning. Trust me, you don't want to be the team that sees 10 bunts in a row. That means your team can't cover the bunt, and you can't win the game. For the best way to practice your softball bunt coverage scheme please refer to the article

The Bunting Game located at My Softball Coach. Coach Jim Moyer was our first "Softball Authority" coache who advice and tips periodically appear on NFGFS.

Softball Performance Improvement Collection: Tips for Playing First base

Softball Performance Improvement Collection: Tips For Playing First Base

First base is different from the other infield positions in several ways. The largest difference is that you're involved in nearly every ball hit to an infielder. You're required to catch balls that may or may not be thrown accurately and you're expected to make difficult "scoops" look routine. You'll do less throwing than the other infielders but when you do throw, it won't usually be an easy play and will need to be accurate.

Start by positioning yourself correctly. Remember that if a ground ball is hit to the second baseman, third baseman, pitcher or shortstop, they're going to be throwing it to you very soon. As soon as a ground ball is hit to someone other than you, quickly make your way to first base and position yourself with your foot opposite your glove hand (i.e., right foot if you catch with left hand and are thus "right-handed" and the other way around for lefties) against the edge of the base. Do not put your foot on top of the base or you'll end up with a broken ankle when the runner spikes you.

When awaiting the pitch from your pitcher, play a little deeper than the base if it's a right-handed hitter and a few steps further back for a left-handed hitter. Remember not to stray too far from the base, though, since you'll need to be able to get there quickly. If you're left-handed, play a bit closer to the foul line since anything hit down the line will be a "backhand" play for you. Conversely, if you're right-handed, you can play "off the line" a bit more since balls hit down the line will be easier for you to snag since your glove hand will be nearer to them.

When awaiting the throw from one of your infielders, as mentioned, get to the base quickly and make sure you've located the base and put your foot on it. This will entail taking your eyes off the play to find the base (you don't want to be feeling around for it with your foot). Once you're in position to catch the ball, bring your glove up and open it as wide as your hand will allow, giving your fielder a big target and confidence that you'll be catching the ball. Reach toward the fielder so that the ball is in your glove as soon as possible in case there's a close play at first.

If a fielder throws one that's clearly going to bounce before it gets to you, position yourself low (keeping your foot on the base) almost like a catcher, ensuring that you will block the ball and maybe even catch it in your gut. Remember, as long as you hold on, it's an out.

If a fielder throws wide of you, you'll need to make a split-second judgement call -- if you think you can stretch and reach the throw, then do so, keeping your foot on the base and reaching out, timing your stretch so that if you fall, it is just a second after you'll have caught the ball and recorded the out. If there's no way you'll be able to reach it, leave the base and stop the ball from going past you. While this isn't ideal, obviously, it will keep the runner from moving on to second or third base.

"Scoops" - Good first basemen make scooping low throws an art. Typically, you'll know when a ball will potentially need to be scooped, especially if you play with the same infielders for a while and get familiar with their throwing habits. If a ball is thrown your way but is low and may or may not bounce just before reaching you, position your glove with your wrist facing up and the glove wide open, perhaps 6-10 inches off the dirt. Most short-hops will bounce into your glove in this scenario. Scooping the ball is something that comes with practice and a lot of playing first base.

If a ball is hit on the ground to you and there is no one on base, make catching it your first priority. Yes, you'll then need to beat the runner to first base, but you need to make sure you have the ball first. Once you do, run directly to first base. Only throw to the pitcher if he is covering the base and you don't think you can make it there in time yourself.

If a ball is hit to you on then ground and there are runners on base, you have to consider a few things: A) if there is a force play at the other bases, you may want to consider throwing there to get multiple outs or to get the "lead runner" out. B) If you simply want to get outs (or if there are two outs already) and not take risks, just get the out at first and then be ready to go after any baserunners who are venturing far off of other bases. C) How accurate your arm is.

Backing up other positions: As a first baseman, you're involved in nearly all infield plays. However, you're involved in very few outfield plays. If a ball is hit into the outfield and there may be a play at second base, third base or home plate, be ready to back up those bases in case a throw gets loose. This is fundamental baseball/softball.

Specific Performance Improvement Tips:
If a fielder makes a terrible throw and allows the runner to be safe, immediately tell them not to worry about it. You want your fielders to be confident in their throws at all times. Even work in phrases like "Don't worry about that, I shoulda had it." A good teammate will appreciate this.

Talk to the people who reach base. All first basemen do it and it's fun. Once you get used to this, you'll be bored at other positions where there's nobody to talk to. It's also a good way to get to know other players around your league.

Every time you make a nice scoop or stretch, your infielders will love you more and more. Return the congratulations whenever they make a nice play.

Final Notes:
As mentioned earlier, do not cover first base with your foot on top of the actual base or you will definitely get stepped on. Instead, learn how to put your foot on the edge of the base, either flat on the ground or with your spikes on the edge.
Collisions happen at first base more often than people think. A ball thrown high and wide by a fielder may cause you to reach and/or lean into the base path and, thus, into the path of the oncoming runner. If this happens, brace yourself for a collision and do your best to hold onto the ball.

For tips and drills on playing first base as well as all infield and outfield positions, we recommend Judi Garman's bestselling book >> Softball Skills and Drills

Softball Outfield Drills: Fielding Grounders, Fly Balls, Line Drives and Throwing Correctly

Softball Outfield Drills: Fielding Grounders, Fly Balls, Line Drives and Throwing Correctly


Editors Note: Softbball Outfield Drills is chapter from the best selling book Defensive Softball Drills. This chapter includes drills to practice every outfield defensive situation, including grounders, routine and deep fly balls, line drives, and throwing correctly from the outfield. The outfield is a vital part of the defense at all levels of play.

Fly Balls—Partner Toss

Purpose: To learn to stay back on a fly ball and develop momentum into the throw.Procedure
The outfielder starts on the left field foul line facing fair territory, and another player (or the coach) stands approximately 5-10 feet slightly in front and to the side of the fielder. A third player stands directly across from the outfielder approximately 100-150 feet away and is the receiver of the throw.

The partner or coach tosses the ball in front of the fielder, high enough so that she has time to set up.

After the ball is tossed, the outfielder turns sideways with her feet at a 45-degree angle to the throwing target, left foot in front of right (for right-handers). The fielder brings her hands up, turning the glove slightly sideways so her thumb is parallel to the ground, and places her throwing hand on the side of the glove. The object is to set up the body to throw so when the ball is caught the player can throw quickly.

The fielder should stay behind the ball, wait for it to come down, catch the ball on her throwing side, and throw to the receiver.

Toss five balls to each fielder, then switch so the receiver is the fielder. Repeat twice.

Key Points
The fielder must let the ball come down below her eyes.
The fielder should catch the ball with both hands and make the throw in one smooth motion, like infielders do when running through the ball as they field on the charge.

Variation

• Have all of your outfielders line up at the foul line and rotate up one at a time. One player acting as a receiver stands 100-150 feet away. Each player rotates through to make five catches and throws.

Sun Balls

Purpose: To learn to catch a fly ball when playing in sunny conditions.

Procedure
Before the drill begins, each fielder should identify the sun’s position. Fielders should put their gloves up slightly sideways and closed to shield their eyes from the sun. This will prepare them for the drill. This preparation also needs to be done in the game on sunny days.

Fielders can set up anywhere in the outfield where there is room. A partner tosses a ball in the air directly into the sun, and the outfielder holds up her glove as described in step 1.
If a fielder loses the ball in the sun she must look down and try to pick up the ball as it comes out of the sun.

Toss five balls and switch roles. Repeat twice.

Key Points
Do this drill on a sunny day.
Outfielders must learn to position themselves so that they are not looking directly at the sun ball but are instead using peripheral vision to locate it.
Outfielders should wear visors when necessary.

Variations
Start with partner tosses and then hit fly balls to each fielder.
Run the drill with two outfielders in position. Hit sun balls between the two to help them learn to communicate when one player has a better line on the ball. The player whose vision is less blocked by the sun should catch the ball if possible and, at minimum, give directions to help her fellow outfielder to locate the ball and make the catch.

The outfielders line up and rotate through one at a time while the coach tosses pop-ups.

Balls to Spots

Purpose: To teach outfielders to run to a spot and then find the ball. This skill is used for balls that the player immediately knows are over her head but that she can still catch. This drill includes a good conditioning element as well.

Procedure
Outfielders form a line at one of the starting positions (e.g., everyone lines up in left field). One outfielder is up at a time, and a coach is in front of the fielder. Prior to tossing the ball the coach picks a spot to the left or the right of the player, approximately 30 feet behind her, and shows the spot to the player. This spot should be within the range of a sprinting outfielder.
When the coach tosses the ball to the designated spot the player puts her head down (taking her eyes off the ball) and sprints to the spot she thinks the ball will be. Next, she turns to find the ball and catches it.

Toss 8-10 balls to a spot to the left of each outfielder and then repeat to the right.

Key Points
Once an outfielder knows the ball is hit over her head, she must turn and sprint to the spot (with her head down), then look up to find the ball. Make sure the fielder looks for the ball early but not so early that she tracks the ball the entire way.

The fielder should not run directly under the ball; she should try to keep it to one side or the other.

Variations

Practice in all three outfield positions.
The coach fungos balls from home plate or the pitcher’s mound area.
Practice the drill near the fence. If there is a fence to deal with the fielder should get to the fence first then find the ball. This is an advanced skill.


To review and purchase, click >> Defensive Softball Drills by Jacquie Joseph

Evaluation Checklist for Catchers

Evaluation Checklist for Catchers

Here's a very useful tool for both catchers and coaches!

The catcher plays a key role in the success of your program. The catcher must be the team's leader. The catcher has the entire field in front of them and they are able to read and react to every situation. While the ball is in play, the catcher is the only position that never has their back to the action. The catcher must take command and deserve respect and performance from her pitching staff and other position players.

When a critical situation is at hand, the catcher must step-up and take charge of the game. The number one goal of any team should be keeping runners off base. If runners do not get on base, the opponent has a very difficult time scoring. When runners do get on, keeping them where they are or forcing them out at the next base is vital to winning ball games. Holding runners to the base they have just reached is a difficult task that falls on the shoulders of the catcher most of the time. The more control a catcher assumes, the more successful the defensive execution. In order for a catcher to gain control, she must build confidence in her physical abilities and also support it with her knowledge of the game.

It is essential to critique an athletes catching skills to develop an objective list for improvement. The following checklist is an extremely valuable tool for the coach to utilize when evaluating a catcher. The "needs work" column will define the catcher's skills that need to be addressed more frequently. As a coach, it is imperative to give feedback and guidance to your athletes. The checklist is a clear cut way to show your athletes what you expect them to be able to perform.

A coach that is out there trying to recruit a catcher or holding tryouts for their team will find the checklist an easy and thorough way of assessing a catchers talent. The checklist will help you view how a particular catcher will fit into your program.

Download in pdf >> Evaluation Checklist for Catchers

Want the best Women's Fastpitch Catcher's Mitt on the Market, Click >> Nokona

Source: Beth Keylon-Randolph's Softball Academy

Fastpitch Softball: Defensive Fine Points

Softball Institute, home of the finer points of the game of softball, came upon this very instructional article titled "Defensive Fine Points." Every position is covered from a "situational fielding" perspective.

Click here for the entire article.

Protecting The Softball Catcher: Keeping Out Of Harm's Way

We came across today this post from another blog and thought it was important enough that it should be shared with as many people as possible - - players and parents alike.

Click: Foul Ball To The Mask for the entire story.

Softball Throwing Skills by Becky Wittenburg

The Throwing Skills to Pay the Bills

Of the key elements of a well-rounded softball player, a good throwing arm is definitely near the top of the list. While some are lucky enough to be born with throwing skills, even they won’t be hurt by softball throwing drills which aim to improve distance and accuracy.

When demonstrating these softball throwing drills, make sure to run through each drill at half speed first before increasing the pace. Also give every player who desires a chance to practice the motions slowly first. Not only will this reduce the chances of unnecessary injury, it will also allow the player to feel the correct way of doing things which will translate when the motions are sped up.

From the Four Corners of the Field

If you’re looking for a drill that highlights throwing conditioning, quick sprints and improving your players’ accuracy on throws from first to third then consider the Four Corners drill. To set up the drill, have your all your infield players line up behind second base except for one player at first base. In addition, this drill requires one hitter at home plate with a bucket of balls.

To begin, the batter hits a ball towards second base. The first fielder in the line fields the ball, throws it to first base and sprints to third in time to receive a throw from a player at first. In order to continue, the fielder must be in a proper receiving position at third base with their left foot touching the home plate side of the base.

Upon catching the ball from first, the fielder sprints towards home plate, hands the ball off to the batter, and runs to first just in time to receive a throw from the fielder at second. Once she has completed her throw to third she is to run to the back of the line at second base and await her next chance at playing fielder.

This is a very fast-paced drill with lots of running so make sure to give your players an adequate break for water and resting following its completion. To minimize down time and standing around, use no more than five players on the field, not including the hitter.

Rotating Infield Drill

The next softball throwing drill employs a rotating infield to get players throwing from all over the infield. To begin with, have no more than five infielders line up behind third base with an additional player at first base. One at a time they are to field a ball that is either thrown to them or hit by a batter. Upon successful receipt of the ball, they are to throw to first base, then run over to the shortstop position.

The drill is repeated for shortstop, second base, and a spot halfway between first and second where the hit is a slow roller towards first. For the slow roller, players are to charge out and field the ball in front of first base, then throw the ball lightly to the player at first. Remind the first base player to ignore any throws that cannot be caught easily so that she can always be ready for the upcoming throw. This is a great drill for tryouts as it showcases throwing skills from a variety of positions.

Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball throwing drills.
You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website: SoftballSpot.com

For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!

Article Source: Ezine Articles