How do you guys signal in your defenses? I have used several systems, but don't want to get too complicated. We typically call our pitches using the wristband and using numbers. How do you guys put on specific defensive plays?
Original Post
One ultra simple system I've used in the past is this-
For bunts, we use 1, 3, and 5. The numbers represent who stays home. So, 1 means 1st baseman covers 1st, 3B crashes, P takes 1b line, SS covers 3B. Then 3 3rd baseman covers 3rd, 1B crashes, P has 3B line, 2B covers 1st. Five is the crash play with 3B, 1B, and P all crashing (for squeeze with game on the line). I always give the sign silently by hand, but you don't have to be so secretive. Often it doesn't matter because your objective is to get the out (probably at 1st) and honestly I'm not sure what coverage you call makes a difference most of the time.
We also have used the thumb to the catcher, who passes it on to the pitcher for picks. We don't spend a lot of time working on elaborate picks. We focus on keeping the runner close, vary your looks, and make your pitch. The absolute most important part of the equation is to make your pitch.
First and third is similar to bunts with hand signals. Two is throw to second with 2B cutting it off looking to throw home. Three is straight to third. I'm not a huge fan of the pump to second, throw to third, so we usually throw straight to third and see if we can catch the guy flat footed. It's probably a good idea to keep your LF in the loop too on this play. Four is pitcher cut, and five is throw through.
I think this is simple, but depending on your level it may or may not work for you.
For bunts, we use 1, 3, and 5. The numbers represent who stays home. So, 1 means 1st baseman covers 1st, 3B crashes, P takes 1b line, SS covers 3B. Then 3 3rd baseman covers 3rd, 1B crashes, P has 3B line, 2B covers 1st. Five is the crash play with 3B, 1B, and P all crashing (for squeeze with game on the line). I always give the sign silently by hand, but you don't have to be so secretive. Often it doesn't matter because your objective is to get the out (probably at 1st) and honestly I'm not sure what coverage you call makes a difference most of the time.
We also have used the thumb to the catcher, who passes it on to the pitcher for picks. We don't spend a lot of time working on elaborate picks. We focus on keeping the runner close, vary your looks, and make your pitch. The absolute most important part of the equation is to make your pitch.
First and third is similar to bunts with hand signals. Two is throw to second with 2B cutting it off looking to throw home. Three is straight to third. I'm not a huge fan of the pump to second, throw to third, so we usually throw straight to third and see if we can catch the guy flat footed. It's probably a good idea to keep your LF in the loop too on this play. Four is pitcher cut, and five is throw through.
I think this is simple, but depending on your level it may or may not work for you.
