Runner on first no outs, batter lines a single to left feild. Where does second baseman go.
I thought second baseman covered second and shortstop had the cut-off.
Banditsbb
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In reality, the fielder (typically SS or 2B) going into the outfield to receive a throw from an outfielder is called the relayman. I would figure at the HS level, on a routine LD to the LF'r playing normal depth, with a runner on first, the throw would go to 3rd and no relay would be necessary.
However, a ball getting by the LF'r changes everything.
I'm curious to hear HS coaches answers, because we're dealing with this at the 13U level now.
At higher levels, it's pretty simple. F5 sets himself on a line with the throw to HOME in the IF INSIDE the baseline (He is the CUTOFF man, and is in position to CUT the throw home to gun down a runner either at 3rd or 2nd), the F6 covers 3rd, the F4 covers 2B. This is all with fences AND assumes OF'rs with stronger arms.
At the 13U level....my best guess. The F5 is the cutoff, the F6 covers 3b, the F4 becomes the relay guy, the F3 trails the batter/runner to 2b.
On the same play to right. F3 is the cutoff, F4 is the relay, F6 covers 2nd, F5 covers 3rd.
As a caveat...is it the norm to throw F8 into the relay mix should you be playing no fences?
However, a ball getting by the LF'r changes everything.
I'm curious to hear HS coaches answers, because we're dealing with this at the 13U level now.
At higher levels, it's pretty simple. F5 sets himself on a line with the throw to HOME in the IF INSIDE the baseline (He is the CUTOFF man, and is in position to CUT the throw home to gun down a runner either at 3rd or 2nd), the F6 covers 3rd, the F4 covers 2B. This is all with fences AND assumes OF'rs with stronger arms.
At the 13U level....my best guess. The F5 is the cutoff, the F6 covers 3b, the F4 becomes the relay guy, the F3 trails the batter/runner to 2b.
On the same play to right. F3 is the cutoff, F4 is the relay, F6 covers 2nd, F5 covers 3rd.
As a caveat...is it the norm to throw F8 into the relay mix should you be playing no fences?
Always throw ahead of the runner. The SS lines up to 3b and takes the cutoff. If you go directly to 3rd and one of the runners is off a bag, you'll be less likely to pick him off. By getting it to SS, he has more options.
We have the SS go out almost in a straight line from the middle of the 2B and 3B line. It creates a triangle with SS, 3B and 2B.
We figure our LF should be able to take a normal groundball and throw to 3B IF the runner for some odd reason challenges here. If it's a normal situation where the runner is pulling up at 2B then the throw goes to SS and he can run it in or toss to 2B who is at 2B. Now we have shorter throws to get the ball back to the pitcher.
The farther away the ball is in LF from 3B then the closer to a straight line to OF and 3B because the runner is going to make a bigger turn.
On a hit and run when the SS is holding position he goes directly into the straight line to 3B and OF.
It's pretty simple to put in when you are on the field.
We figure our LF should be able to take a normal groundball and throw to 3B IF the runner for some odd reason challenges here. If it's a normal situation where the runner is pulling up at 2B then the throw goes to SS and he can run it in or toss to 2B who is at 2B. Now we have shorter throws to get the ball back to the pitcher.
The farther away the ball is in LF from 3B then the closer to a straight line to OF and 3B because the runner is going to make a bigger turn.
On a hit and run when the SS is holding position he goes directly into the straight line to 3B and OF.
It's pretty simple to put in when you are on the field.
quote:Originally posted by Coachric:
Always throw ahead of the runner. The SS lines up to 3b and takes the cutoff. If you go directly to 3rd and one of the runners is off a bag, you'll be less likely to pick him off. By getting it to SS, he has more options.
We instruct our infielders the same way.