What defensive positions are the hardest to fill for HS coaches?

[uncdrew]

In MLB sabermetrics they use positional adjustments to account for difference between an average player at one position vs another. Using these the most "important" positions in terms of saving runs are in order (the numbers are just relative numbers..)

1) C (12.5)
2) SS (7.5)
3) CF/2B/3B (2.5)
4) LF/RF (-7.5)
5) 1B (-12.5)

Now of course this is for MLB but in general if your team has other kids who can at least catch a flyball and a throw to them at 1B then if you have a good (or even average) SS or Catcher moving them somewhere else is probably not a good idea if the replacement is below average (if you are looking at defense alone). Small differences at those positions are magnified.

All positions are important, some more than others. Also all positions are difficult to learn if you want to play them well but some are more difficult...sorry.

I tell my DD, who plays 1B when not pitching, that 1B is the easiest position out there. I tell other parents that too. And as you get on a better and better team, the throws to you are more on target and it becomes even easier.

Some parents I know feel it's an honor for their kid to play 1B. It might be, in that it means they want your bat in the lineup.

 

[YoungBuck]

if this is happening then id be looking for a better pitcher and not worried about where girls are in the field.

At every level there are never enough (good) pitchers to go around.

 

[Rolling Hard]

In MLB sabermetrics they use positional adjustments to account for difference between an average player at one position vs another. Using these the most "important" positions in terms of saving runs are in order (the numbers are just relative numbers..)

1) C (12.5)
2) SS (7.5)
3) CF/2B/3B (2.5)
4) LF/RF (-7.5)
5) 1B (-12.5)

Now of course this is for MLB but in general if your team has other kids who can at least catch a flyball and a throw to them at 1B then if you have a good (or even average) SS or Catcher moving them somewhere else is probably not a good idea if the replacement is below average (if you are looking at defense alone). Small differences at those positions are magnified.

All positions are important, some more than others. Also all positions are difficult to learn if you want to play them well but some are more difficult...sorry.

Think the catcher number (12.5) might be higher in fastpitch because of more bunting, base stealing and 1st and 3rd situations.

 

[PJR202]

For us in MS and HS programs, the best options for OF were generally already playing 4/5/6. But our backup catcher, who will be the primary MS catcher this season, turned out to be head and shoulders better in the OF than any of them. Just naturally tracks the ball beautifully. She was literally playing games out there with her catcher's mitt at one point.

We had a couple non infielders who could track well but they hadn't entirely gotten over the fear of the ball. One of the girls who started the season on the bench turned out to be our second best OF by halfway through the season. Sometimes these kids will catch a couple and suddenly they just take that confidence and run with it. It's maddening as a coach, but we take it as it comes and do our best to assign the spots as best we can.

CF is very important though. A lot of times that's the best athlete on the team.

 

[_MIA_]

Think the catcher number (12.5) might be higher in fastpitch because of more bunting, base stealing and 1st and 3rd situations.

Agree and I think the gap between 3B and SS would be less.

 

[ANNASDAD]

I think you may want to rethink that

Absolutely!!

 

[ANNASDAD]

if this is happening then id be looking for a better pitcher and not worried about where girls are in the field.

What age and level is your daughter playing?

 

[Dragbunt]

I find it funny that no one ever wants their DD to play OF when they are young, then when they get to HS, there are no OF and everyone is mad.

I'm not mad this year...lol...trying to be open-minded. That's why I posed the question...

 

[Dragbunt]

2 different teams?, 2 diff coaches?... both seeing her in same role.... mirror is right over there. maybe your view is hindered by rose colored glasses???

Both coaches needed someone with speed who could hustle to the ball and get rid of it... maybe even make a catch once in a while

 

[Dragbunt]

What age and level is your daughter playing?

She's 13yo and playing 14U travel this year.