1st bases crashing on a bunt

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Mar 16, 2019
11
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General bunt coverage question. I have never been a fan of 1st base crashing on a bunt due to the extremely low likelihood that they are actually able to field the bunt. Even if a 1st baseman is able to field the ball, the likelihood that she is able to turn and make the throw in time to get the runner is also extremely low. I haven't been able to find any statistic on how many balls are fielded by the 1st baseman, but I would venture to say it is in the low single digits. The 1st baseman is usually in the way of the catcher or pitched making a play on the ball in front of the plate or down the 1st base line. During my baseball days (playing and coaching), down the line was played by the pitcher. Why are we doing it differently in softball?

My question is; with no runners on or a runner on 1st, how many opportunities have been successful in regard to 1st base making a play on a bunt and it being successful? I feel like a soft bunt down the line could be covered by the catcher or pitcher. Anything harder could be 1st base. Obviously, some situations would dictate adjustments.

Thanks.
 

BigSkyHi

All I know is I don't know
Jan 13, 2020
1,385
113
Agree with you. If the pitcher, catcher and 3rd base cannot cover a bunt, tip your hat to the hitter who laid the bunt down into a small area. You can actually have 1st base play behind the bag.?
 
May 7, 2015
842
93
SoCal
DD's teams since 2nd yr 12u have always crashed with both 1B and 3B, P fields the come backer. Amazingly effective. For it to work, everyone has to hustle..
 

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
Teams that run only a basic rote bunt defense crash 1B every time without considering the effectiveness. I've seen it happen a few times in 16/18U ball, but 1B successfully fielding bunts happens in college more than anyplace else. I've seen at least as many examples of a 2B not being able to catch the throw...even in college.

I tend to agree with 1B staying back, particularly when the bunt is shown very late. I also lean that way if 1B isn't that quick. All 1B is doing at that point is taking themselves out of the play, possibly getting in the way, and adding moving parts to successful execution by relying on 2B to get there. However, when it's presented early, not crashing 1B will encourage the offense to bunt to the 1B side (if they can). If your pitcher and/or catcher isn't nimble, it's going to be a long game.
 
Aug 2, 2019
343
63
DD's teams since 2nd yr 12u have always crashed with both 1B and 3B, P fields the come backer. Amazingly effective. For it to work, everyone has to hustle..
It also leaves an empty base somewhere. I have an inexperienced group, so leaving 1B home simplifies bunt defense. Everyone has the same responsibility no matter the situation, and all bases are covered.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
General bunt coverage
My question is; with no runners on or a runner on 1st,
Excellent post!

***Will look forward to replys on if
Defenses are ran the same with
No runners on
Vs
Runner on 1st base

Pending pitcher is also a defense player or not...
No runners.
Both corners crash if needed.

With runner on first.
Its catchers back pick time!
*Prefer first base stay back.

*Catcher comming out on bunts towards 1st & 2nd has the better approach angles!!!
imo
Catchers range and direct line of sight throw should beat a firstman who has to come forward and then turn to throw.
 
Last edited:

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
1/2 the 1B in college probably played somewhere else in TB.....It doesn't work at the lower levels oftentimes because they put the least athletic kid there...

I'd wager that it's more than that. I know of a college player who was a middle infielder, but told she'd be playing 1B before she left HS. She switched positions in her final year to get comfortable with it. Players get put there as a secondary position (often pitchers) because dad is the coach. It takes some athleticism and practice to play it well.
 
May 7, 2015
842
93
SoCal
Qualifiers can always nullify a particular technique. I thought the question was "with no runners on or a runner on 1st, how many opportunities have been successful in regard to 1st base making a play on a bunt and it being successful?"

For a well rehearsed team, crashing 1B is surprisingly effective. It does not leave any base open. However, it is not a play for younger or less talented teams, too much going on.
 

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