How QUICK do Middle inflielders need to,... yes you S.S. & 2nd...

[radness]

I teach my one middle infielder (there's zero need for both)







Rarely a ball might get hit to where she was. It happens. That's just part of the game. Doesn't make any sense for me for her to wait, especially if there is a question of whether she can beat the catcher's throw to the bag.

Edit: I can see how some slappers could make this a difficult proposition. That's not something I typically need to worry about. So if a slapper is up, I'd probably try something different.

Options

Shortstops cover 2nd base on only runner stealing from 1st.
Also covers 3rd base straight steal from 2nd.
And covers 3rd on back picks.

Second baseman covers 1st on back picks at first.
And covers backpicks at 2nd.
Some have second baseman cover 2nd in first and third situation.
Have seen some coaches have 2nd cover 2nd on straight steals also.

 

[jmax26]

Rad, have you ever seen teams work on a back pick strategy of throwing directly to SS? What is your thought on this?

 

[CoachJD]

Options

Shortstops cover 2nd base on only runner stealing from 1st.
Also covers 3rd base straight steal from 2nd.
And covers 3rd on back picks.

Second baseman covers 1st on back picks at first.
And covers backpicks at 2nd.
Some have second baseman cover 2nd in first and third situation.
Have seen some coaches have 2nd cover 2nd on straight steals also.

When I said "teach one middle infielder," what I meant was I only have one fielder cover on a steal of second. I see no reason for SS to cover and 2B to back up (or vice versa).

No question both infielders have a ton of responsibilities in different situations.

 

[flash277]

I always tell my DD, who plays 2B, there is a difference between fast and quick, she's not fast as in running the bases, but she is quick while playing 2nd.......With that said, the coach always has SS cover the steal

 

[radness]

Rad, have you ever seen teams work on a back pick strategy of throwing directly to SS? What is your thought on this?

Little more details in that question please.

Guessing the question means
Throw at the ss position, rather than throwing to a base...
Yes.
Have utilized and seen others use a strategy of throwing to second baseman or ss....and not at bases.
Basically the middle infielder steps into the base path receiving throw.
(or can start in base path and receive throw)

This means they are receiving the throw in front of the runner and not behind.
Useful when runners are attempting a longer leadoff posibly to delay steal.
When catcher goes to say throw what the runner thinks is a back pick...catcher really throws in front of runner.
Middle infielder splits the play.

 

[radness]

Little more details in that question please.

Guessing the question means
Throw at the ss position, rather than throwing to a base...
Yes.
Have utilized and seen others use a strategy of throwing to second baseman or ss....and not at bases.
Basically the middle infielder steps into the base path receiving throw.
(or can start in base path and receive throw)

This means they are receiving the throw in front of the runner and not behind.
Useful when runners are attempting a longer leadoff posibly to delay steal.
When catcher goes to say throw what the runner thinks is a back pick...catcher really throws in front of runner.
Middle infielder splits the play.

Example
With a runner on 2nd taking a lead off.
Could have second baseman come in back door for back pick position.
Same time
Also have SS step into base line. (closer proximity)

So both defensive players are in position apon runner taking a lead off.

 

[ANNASDAD]

“Fast Feet” was always my key word I screamed from the dugout, Anna loved it! SS not getting to the bag in time is not an option!

This reminds me of the really early years when SS’s would want to catch the ball out in front of the bag then dive back to make a tag, some of them you could never make realize that the ball is always faster than them! Go TO the bag!

 

[ang2bmd]

Its not about pure speed. Its about positioning, communication and being able to read the movements of the batter, and then speed helps...lol

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[radness]

impressive 11 year old shortstop,
Relentlessly gets to the throw from the catcher that went far right.

Shout out~
Softball warrior,
Really like your fearless hussle!
Way to be 'C'!!!

 

[Hopehawk76]

impressive 11 year old shortstop,
Relentlessly gets to the throw from the catcher that went far right.

Shout out~
Softball warrior,
Really like your fearless hussle!
Way to be 'C'!!!


View attachment 21204

This looks like a bit of a mess to me. Off-line throw makes sense. 2B WAY late backing up. Not an outfielder in sight. SS going high and colliding with runner in the base path. Slide looks great though....and I’m sure it was an athletic play by SS.