Defense question

[Wookie]

Not sure if this belongs here or in the coaching forum, but I'm starting it here.

I have a question about defensive positioning for backups. One coach advocates backing up 2B by the F3 on hits to left, and F5 on hits to right, with the pitcher covering the bases for the backup positons. Another coach thinks that the pitcher should stay in the circle and have the opposite outfield back up and have F3 and F5 cover their bases, i.e. hit to left, 2B is backed up by F9 and F3 stays to cover 1B. This coach also thinks that any play at the bases is better covered by the original player since they have more experience with tag-outs vs. the pitcher.

Asking the players involved (F3,5,7,9 and even the pitcher) all want to use the second coach's alignment, but I realize they are young and inexperienced.

Which alignment is correct, or your choice?

Thanks

 

[amanda_cake]

We have always had the outfield back up those positions, with the pitcher staying in the circle. I have not seen it done the other way (or payed enough attention to notice!) and I like to think that I've been around softball a fair bit.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

In 45 years of playing 1st base, I can truthfully say that I have never backed up 2nd base.

I back up home and take the cut off.

 

[SoCalDad]

I have seen many times when F3 covers 2B and even 3. But after that first year of T-Ball they don't do it any more.

 

[Goobie]

I have seen many times when F3 covers 2B and even 3. But after that first year of T-Ball they don't do it any more.

Ok... Now that's funny!

 

[TowPilot]

WCWS this year. High pop fly foul past 3rd with runner on second. 3rd basemen goes for the ball as do Left Field and Short. Catch was made and runner on second goes to third on the tag. And who is covering third base for the put out? The first basemen.

 

[Wookie]

OK thanks, I thought I was nuts. In the OP the first coach is an "experience HS coach who has won District championships" and the other coach is myself. I should have trusted DD back in January when she said coach X is an idiot. She was 10 at the time.

Thanks to all.

 

[CoachKevin]

WCWS this year. High pop fly foul past 3rd with runner on second. 3rd basemen goes for the ball as do Left Field and Short. Catch was made and runner on second goes to third on the tag. And who is covering third base for the put out? The first basemen.

Was that by design or just an alert player knowing what was happening and making an adjustment? I do have my pitcher covering 3B based on the situation. Example, R1 on 1B, batter bunts to F5.. pitcher covers 3B.

As far as the OP, have never seen that type of coverage...

 

[Amy in AZ.]

just an alert player knowing what was happening

Probably an alert player - or maybe her dad was yelling "Cover THIRD!" That will get me moving.