QBall in the Face

One of my players was hit by a fly ball in the face last year playing at AA level (8 -9 year olds). This year, in Little League (10 -12), I can not get him to stay under a fly ball or in front of a thrown ball. He always steps to the side and stabs at the ball with his glove. I can not seem to break this habit. Do you have any suggestions or drills that might help?

AI've seen some kids drop out of ball after an incident like this, and others shake it off and come right back. Often this is an aspect of personality beyond our coaching abilities.

Only thing I might suggest is put him in a catcher's mask (wait, hear me out) at one practice and toss balls into it from 15-20 feet away. It's the no-blink drill but it might work in this situation.

Or, have him work without his glove in some roller and shallow pop-up drills - tell him it's just a technique to develop soft hands (which it is) but the low threat and the focus on hands, might make him adjust before he is out there handling screamers and high flys again.

QBall Transfer

My son is a nine year old and fields well but is slow getting the ball from his glove to the release point. He was taught to go down and around with the ball and still does this in the infield and it slows him down, is this correct? And what drill could I use to get him faster.

AWe're not sure what you mean by down and around, but the key to a good transfer is to having the throwing hand close on the catch. Dramatic, reaching one arm catches may look good but the closer both hands can be when the ball hits the glove the better. So the first thing to work on is footwork - so that he moves well each way and lines himself up with the hit - ideally you want the catch centered on his body (slightly offset to the glove side) so that he can pivot easily to the throwing side. Work on laterals using cones as goal posts - the better he gets the more you spread them apart - first one step to each side, then two steps, etc. As he gets older (and you should not expect any kind of perfection at 9) then he can work on angling the body so that the glove side is a little closer to the hit and the square-on transfer becomes more of a side catch and rake back into the throwing hand - but it still has to be centered enough to allow for a transfer without extra reaching. Perhaps age 11 or 12 for that. Also as he gets older, teach him to try not to catch the ball in the pocket but to stop it with the heel of his glove, that sets up a deflection transfer into the throwing hand. Don't expect that skill at all until maybe age 14 at the earliest.

QBooks of Drills

I was wondering if you knew of any books for some good defensive drills and some for pitching. Drills should be able to be done by players age ranginging from 6-12. If you know of any would you please email me back.

AThe success of WebBall is also its curse - it has gotten so big that it's hard for a new visitor to discover all its secrets!

However, it shouldn't be too hard to find our pages of recommended reading. The books on our page above are a) recommended by us and/or b) those purchased most often by WebBall visitors. In fact many of the ideas in the Strategy and Coverage Clinics are inspired by such sources.

QBunt Confusion

My 12 yr old son played on a select travel team this past season. The head coach confused me with some of his coaching decisions. One particular decision sticks to my mind... almost to a point of irritation. Situation: Runners on 1st and 2nd, less than two outs. The coach would call out to the 3rd baseman to "Stay home on a bunt. Pitcher, you have 3rd base side on a bunt, 1st base, you are charging, 2nd base you have 1st base bag." Now, as a player and coach, I do not agree with this statement. Is this accurate? Should the 3rd baseman "stay at home" on a bunt? Or should SS cover 3rd while the 3rd baseman charges? I can understand 1st base staying home on a bunt, but the 3rd baseman? Am I dating myself and showing my age?

AA lot of teams do it this way. It all has to do with who is holding the runner at 2nd - SS or 2B. If SS is holding then no way he can get to 3rd ahead of lead runner. If 2B is holding then no way that he can get to first when 1B charges. The difference between youth and pro ball is the pitcher. In youth leagues pitchers are often all-around stars - could also play SS, be a great hitter, etc. So he is a good choice to field - on the third-base side or else covering at first. This leaves 3B to "stay home". It also has to do with the uncertainty of getting the batter-runner at first - of getting at least one out. If 2B is holding and SS wheels to third when 3B charges, then 1B may have to retreat to his bag quickly and pitcher has to also get over there in case - not always pretty.

QCovering Second

When there is a steal on first going to second who takes the throw is it shortstop or second and also on a double play hit to third who takes the thrown and throws it to first thanks.

AUsually coverage is determined first by the batter. LH batter (who would likely pull the ball to right - leave the second baseman to cover the hole and have SS cover bag. Otherwise, with RH batter, 2B covers and SS stays in his 'pocket'. (The purpose of a hit and run play - which starts with a steal - is to pull the middle infielder toward the bag and create a hole for the batter to hit through.)
However, it also depends on the pitcher you have and what he throws. OIf he is very fast, many young batters will not be able to pull the ball. If they tend to push it to the opposite field, then it would be best to reverse the coverage: (i.e. 2B stays in pocket against RH batter.)
On a DP ball hit to third, SS is probably moving with the hit, so that leaves 2B to cover the bag = which is better anyway as he is coming into the bag facing the throw.

QCovering Second

On a medium talent level 13 y.o. team, the question is whether or not the 2nd baseman or SS, whoever is covering second base on a steal, should he break to cover second on the break (runner taking off) or wait till ball crosses plate (anticipating ball will be hit at his position)? I believe that high level players can kind of cheat and wait till last minute and still get to base. But at this level and assuming fielder is playing in a double play type position (cheating some toward second), it's very difficult for the fielder covering second on the steal to make it to second on time if they wait. By waiting for ball to reach batter we cannot cover second in time for throw down for steal. League is very competitive but not so much that they are talented enough to consistently hit behind the runners.

AWe get this question often, and it is tough to answer because each team is different - it depends on both the positioning of your middle infielders and their reaction time, and how much ahead of the ball arriving do they need to be at the bag at second. On simply the matter of timing - a base to base run is 4 seconds perhaps (less if you give them too much lead, more if runner's jump is delayed by having trouble reading pitcher). - a good catcher pop time should be 2 seconds (time from his catch to his throw to second - if he is good). - so that leaves around 2 seconds for everything else - the pitcher's start of motion until the pitch hits the mitt, and the time from fielder catching throw-down to making the tag. The pitch itself is only .5 seconds so not a factor (and not much you can do about it anyway). So shorten the slide step, etc. can be very important. What I'm getting at is that with everything else going on, including the distance the runner has to cover in about 4 secs., there is no reason that the fielder can't move from D.P. depth to the bag in the 2 seconds the catcher takes to throw down - not if the runner must travel 3-4 times that distance in only 2 additional seconds. So you should be able to cover 1/4 the distance if your fielders react as soon as they see the ball hit the catcher's mitt. Your problem might be their inability to react at the right moment - do you practice it? Another way to look at is - what's more important - the runner getting to second or your team getting an out on the ground ball from the batter? In most games I would want the out. Only in a close game, late inning situation might I worry more about the runner.

QCut Off Assignments

A question regarding defensive coverage, in particular, cut-off on relays to the plate. What are your thoughts on using first baseman in what is traditionally the pitcher's role?

AAs discussed on some of the examples in our coverage clinic, the first baseman is key and the pitcher should go to 3rd or home as a backup only. Never ever put your pitcher in the middle of the cut-off situation - even if he's a good fielder. Without him backing up at home, imagine a ball getting past the catcher. Not only does the catcher have to chase it and probably give up a runner, you've forced your pitcher to cover at the high collision corner!

QDead Ball

If a batted ball hits the runner going from 1st to 2nd, he is out, but if the ball is deflected to the second baseman, can be make a play on the batter at 1st?

AShort and to the point 7.08(f) Ball is dead, no following play. [We get so many questions like this we should probably post the rules so people can find their own answers - that's assuming anyone can find anything clear in the rules - see previous comment above that maybe we should just let the kids play.]

QDefending 1st & 3rd

How do you defend 1st and 3rd with none or 1 out? Catcher can not make the throw down to second base with consistency. We are on a pony league diamond 80 ft. base paths. I've tried sneaking middle infielders up, catcher throwing to them as a decoy hoping that a sleeping base coach or runner takes off for the plate

AIt first depends on what's more important based on score, inning, etc.
If you want to keep the runner from scoring, then either catcher eats the ball, or decoy throw to short (to catch runner off 3rd) or a quick throw back to the pitcher (more on a line to second) who could then throw over to 3rd. If the out is more important - meaning the runner at 3rd will not tie or win the game for them, then throw through to second to catch the steal. You could also pitch out and have the catcher throw to third.
But first I would look at some pick off opportunities - either fake 3rd and throw to 1st, or straight throw to first, or pitcher steps back off the rubber and see if either baserunner is anxious. By the way - if only none or one out, a score close, your bigger concern might be suicide squeeze bunt.
Don't expect to figure any of this out in a game - you've got to practice it.

QDouble Play Feeds

I would like to know which are the right mechanics for the different double play cases for second base.

AThe basic pages for middle infielders does cover most of the detailed mechanics with a link to the double play drill which shows how to practice it.

A less obvious source...
In the Pitching section, under Pitcher's Playbook, you'll find some drill information that relates to other plays around second.

The most important things to learn are the shovel pass and knee-drop and left-foot on the bag for 2B and the foot drag, etc for ShortStop. The new QuickTips page (in INTERactive) highlights some of these moves too.

Here are some specifics for the second baseman:
If 2B is covering the bag you want his left foot making contact with the back of the bag so he can throw and clear out quickly and safely. It's the feeder's responsibility (where 3B, 1B or SS) to time that chest high throw (or straight arm toss or under hand feed or knee-drop throw) on the money - i.e. over the bag.
If 2B is taking the hit, then step one is stop the ball - there may not be errors given if a double play isn't turned but that doesn't mean there aren't errors made. I find the biggest fault as a feeder is the player who has no sense of distance (as noted above) and doesn't understand that you can make an accurate straight arm toss from 30' or more. I also see few young secondbasemen who will drop to one knee (throwing side to ground) to make an overhand throw. Why one knee - because it brings the arm down so that frozen rope goes straight to the chest. The only time I expect to see a throw from upright is on a deep catch in the hole which requires a pivot turn.

And for shortstop...
Under 20' ( or 30' depending on age) an under hand toss - straight forearm, no wrist snap, like delivering a duckpin bowling ball - might work better. Especially if moving toward second and making a glove side stop.
If going square at the grounder, he might drop his throwing side knee right to the ground - so his overhand throw is a straighter chest-high feed.
And on a backhand stab, he might let moment carry his right leg forward so he pivots around to the outfield side then plants the right foot and throws.

QFielder's Throw

Why does a fielder need to follow his throw?

ABecause a play isn't over until all runners are put out or stopped safe on a bag and the pitcher has the ball back.
Until then, the ball is still in play. So your job isn't over once you've thrown to someone - you may have responsibilities to back up another play (say a rundown or cut-off throw). By following your throw you're moving forward and are aware of the possibility that another play may develop. This is reinforced through drills like Round the Bags.

QFielding by the Numbers

I have a fielding question: I heard of ground ball technique whereby the fielder counts the hops when taking a GB. Can you direct me to a link that discussed this and/or elaborate on what you know about this method of teaching ways to handle the ground balls?

AHmmm, we're not sure of any discussion on this - we don't have anything specific ourselves. We're also not sure what the intent of counting is all about... to determine by number of hops whether you have a chance to throw out the runner at first or second ... or to just help you stay focused on the ball (which is not a bad idea at all). It might also help because the added focus/tracking might make you more aware of whether you will have an in-between hop to deal with.

QFinger In or Out

Should a young ss/2b wear finger in or out on an 11-1/4 glove?

AIn addition to the first answer given, there are a couple of other issues that should be considered.

First reply...
It's always personal preference. There is no real reason / rule / skill development purpose in making it an absolute decision one way or the other. Most do it just to cushion the contact - but it more depends on the kind of batters you face.

Additional thought...
There may, in fact, be a 'skill development' reason to keep the fingers inside. You want to develop soft hands - to cradle catches and control the deflection to the throwing hand. With a finger outside, you might be more likely to catch the ball deeper in the glove and not try so hard to cushion the contact. With the finger inside, you will instinctively want to soften the blow by taking the glove hand in towards your body on the hard shots.

QFunnel Catches

There seems to be a trend to funnel the ball up to the throwing hand shoulder after fielding a ground ball. I have always taught that funneling to the midsection makes for "soft hands". I see benefits in both what are your thoughts?

AWe would prefer funneling not directly to the middle but slightly to the throwing side. First responsibility is to make the catch and too much motion to shoulder can result in a ball getting away. That said, obviously those with sure hands can cheat more to the shoulder. However, it also depends on the throwing style. Only a catcher style throw, sometimes called bow and arrow - straight pull back and short armed from elbow - requires getting the ball to the shoulder. If the player is more likely to do a circle to sky arm movement then you don't want him bringing the ball too much to shoulder. Honestly, though, the greater priority should be placed on how well the ball is stopped by the palm, not the webbing, for quick transfer to throwing hand, and also how quickly the player can find the four seams for a good accurate throw. Note: For a glove specifically designed for this need, have a look at Akadema's innovative Funnel... http://www.webball.com/guide/akadema_i.html

QGlove Foot Catch

Why would you teach a right-handed infield player to field a ball with his left leg out front of the right leg? If the ball takes an unexpected bounce to the left, this player would boot the ball because of leg position.

ACouple of reasons - and by left leg in front, I don't mean a stretch like a first baseman - just enough to try to take the ball as his left foot lands.

Why?

1. With the catch timed to the left foot contact, the ball is transfered as the right foot comes forward. Then as the right foot lands, the right arm comes up to throw. Then as the next left lands the ball is released and on its way.
2. Precisely because of the risk you might boot the ball. The range to left from a left-hand glove is natural and easy, and with the right foot slightly back, the right knee is not in the way of a back-hand stab across the body if you ball takes a bad hop to that side.

By the way, on point 1 - the rhythm is the same whether the right foot comes in front on the transfer (for younger kids) or behind (as older kids can do).

QHead Turn on Catches

Here's the player...
15 years old, 6'2", about 180+ lbs, throws right, no glasses, played JV last year as a freshman, Varsity won Florida state so competition is very tough.
And the problem...
Turns head at the very last minute when fielding ground balls in the infield. Also turns head when playing first when someone throws the ball in the dirt. On ground balls, does not turn head until you start to hit balls reasonably hard for a HS player. Follows the ball very well into the glove. Mechanics are very good except for the head turn. He has a set of soft hands (foam rubber). We used to take infield with these and incrediballs. First time I noticed was when he used to play catcher. I think then the turn was to the right, which would have been away from most of the batters he saw.

AGo back to the catcher stage. He should have had bare-hands training to learn to block balls with his padding (square to the plate). And he should have done the no-blink drill (see catcher page). That might get over the fear/uncertainty aspect of the problem. Sure the ball can hurt, but unless it hits square on the nose, most bruises are short lived. (Okay, I know I might get mail on that statement - send away!)
Second - every infielder needs to learn his bounce range - how far away can he take a throw on one bounce, before pulling in to take it on the short hop. The more he learns the field characteristics the better he will be at it. Suggest each innings infield warm-up have the other infielder throw some of theirs for the one-hop skip - the more comfortable he is with this before play starts, the more relaxed he will be with the hit ball.

QHit by Grounders

My son is 11, he pitches and plays short. He has played ball for several years but just recently he has lost his ability to field basic grounders, When I ask him why he missed a grounder, especially one that that he normally would get, he told me he is a more afraid of the ball now than he used to be. Apparently he has been hit be a few hard grounders in practice. Any ideas on how to work him thru this and get his mechanics back in order?

AThere is nothing wrong with his mechanics. What he is experiencing is the increasing level of competition, meaning balls are hit harder and come faster, and - yes - if misplayed will hurt more. One technique is to get him to count the bounces on all ground balls hit - whether to him or to his team mates. This helps focus his effort and might give him a better chance to track that ball all the way into his glove. The other suggestions is to consider his playing distance. Have him start back further so he has lots of room to come in a couple of steps (or more) to attack each hit - in this way he is playing the ball forward on the balls of his feet and is not waiting on his heels for the ball to attack him.

QHolding Runners

I need some advice on holding runners on at second base. any plays or ways to
keep the runner closer to the base.

AFirst, have the pitcher vary his time held in set position - 1 count, 3
count, 2 count.
Second, make sure he checks the runner by looking each time -
but again not always at the same time, and sometimes twice. You can have the
bagman stay at the bag, drift on or off, make noise with glove or be very quiet,
come in from side or arc out and come across from behind. The pitcher can step
off without turning or throwing, or he can lift throwing leg and bring it back
across, or he can step off and spin around to the glove side.
The point is, the more variety, the less the runner can get a read, the less likely he can get a
good jump. You can also get into fancier decoy plays in which the SS crosses in
front of runner going away from bag while the 2B sneaks in behind.

QHot Box

Can you tell me the proper technique for Hotbox ( where you catch the runner stealing and run them down. On another note, when the runner on first is leading off and the runner on third is too, what should the catcher do? Just throw it back to the catcher or run the runner on third back to the base?

AFirst rule in a hot box situation, or in any situation in which runners take a big lead - keep them from advancing. So, always chase in direction of previous base, and throw ahead immediately. In other words, between, say, 2nd and 3rd, run him back towards second.
If on a throw to 2nd, the runner reverses direction to go to 3rd, whoever is covering at second should throw immediately.

On any Hot Box, especially from 3rd to Home, minimize the number of ball exchanges - the more throws, the more chance of an error - a throw going astray and the runner advancing. Fielder with ball should run with arm up, ball clearly visible, so the receiving fielder has a good sight line past the runner and can make a clean catch and tag.

Every fielder should converge on the hot box. If there is trailing runner, priority is lead, but guys should be available to cover there. However, that doesn't mean every lead-off should cause a hot box or throw. Sometimes just getting it back to the pitcher quickly is the best approach.

QPercentages

What are routine ways of holding runners on at second base with the shortstop and second baseman with no plays on? My team is at the High School age level,16. I want to make sure I'm teaching them the right way.

APlay the percentages. In other words if the batter is RH, and your pitcher is a straight fastball type pitcher then the batter is more likely to pull the ball, so SS holds position and 2B covers the bag. And if a LHB, then 2B holds position and SS covers the bag.
However if your pitcher is a junkballer, batters may be waiting on pitches and so are more likely to hit to opposite field so you might want to reverse the coverage.
The simplest guideline for a pick off play by the way is to have the pitcher look for daylight - if in glancing back the pitcher sees a gap between the runner and the SS - with the shortstop that much closer to the bag - he could turn and throw knowing that the SS will be at the bag in time but the runner might not. No daylight, not likely you will catch the runner so look him back or step off or fake the throw but don't actually throw.
As you may know there are a ton of possible fancy pick plays to practice (from the WebBall BullPen) but I like to keep it simple too.

QPick at Second

I am coaching Pony league 13-14 year olds. Need some tips in the following area:
Man on 2nd, pickoff play.

We have practiced the pitcher spin and throw on 3 count with either the SS or 2B going to the bag on 2 count. This works okay but we don't seem to disquise this play well or have a clear cut sign acknowledgement system for putting this play on.

Basically what I am looking for are some tips on how to signal this play (and picks at 1st or 3rd) that everyone on the team can recognize / acknowledge and execute smoothly.

AI'm not a count fan - synchro'd counting is a give-away, as are some catcher signs. I prefer a quick sign from either SS or 2B as to who is covering, then have the pitcher judge on the basis of daylight showing (on the base side) between fielder and runner.

As for "everyone" knowing when a pick is happening - if all nine of your guys recognize/acknowledge, so does the other team. The other problem with, say, a standard 3 count is it limits the pitcher from varying his rhythm - without that there is little surprise left.

Frankly "picks" are a low percentage play most of the time anyway - you'll seldom get an out - so just try to keep the runner close (which should be the main objective).

QPick offs at 2

I am a shortstop that recently transferred to second the beginning of this season. I was wondering how to execute the pick-off attempts to the lead runner. I started out this year by going to the cut behind the bag and creeping up to it. If the pitcher then delivered I would sprint back. The problem was: what if a shot went to my backside while i was coming back. I wouldn't have the momentum to get the ball. Please help explain a good way to execute the pick-off.

AAn observation...
Baseball is a percentage game. The chance of a pick-off at second actually working is less than the increased chance of the batter getting a hit through where you ain't! So the really purpose of a pick-off play is to keep that runner at 2nd from scoring. (Secondly from stealing third which is a lower percentage play anyway.)
But, you still want to do it right.
Start by having a look at the Pitcher's Playbook - a section in the WebBall BullPen. It's kind of overwhelming, but the real message is this - pick-offs work because of good communication between pitcher and fielders - you need to have signals to know who covers, when it's a fake, when it's a real pick - just like catcher signals. That way you'll know when to retreat - and the pitcher will be more aware of his need to let you get back.
Squeeze Play

QPlaying Lefties

Regarding infield placement of left handed (throwing) players.

At what age do you feel left handed throwing children should be excluded from catching, third base, second base & shortstop? A lot of it depends on what the makeup of a team is, skill level etc., but at my younger sons' level two of the left handed kids (my son included), are the better infielders. This age group is 11 & 12 years old. I would be interested to know if there is a school of thought that a good left handed infielder can do more than play first base.

AWe could probably get a debate going on this one.

Meantime, my own thoughts...

1. Left-hander should never play 2nd - at any age. They just can't turn easily to make the throw to first - especially on a double play.
2. While I've seen some LH SS - I would discourage that early too.
3. However - I can see good arguments as to why a leftie might be good at 3rd - glove to the line, etc.
4. I think the only reason there aren't many left-hand catchers is that we don't have the gear on most youth teams - LH glove and chest protector. (His ability to throw quickly to third is more based on RH batter in the way - and to take it the other way he should have an advantage in throwing to first, fielding bunts and throwing inside the line, etc.)
5. The real strength/value of the LH is of course on the mound and in the batter's box (the later being the main reason you see power hitting lefties in the outfield).

QPlaying on the Grass

During play, I notice kids moving up on the grass at times. Is there a special time that the infield is suppose to do this? When are they suppose to move up or play in on a batter?

AThere are 4 basic infield depths - standard, deep as possible, double play depth (cheating towards the bag at middle infield) and into the grass.
Moving in could be called for by a coach in a couple of situations. Against any contact hitter in close game with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs (in hopes of getting the runner at the plate), or else against a batter who is both a fast runner and bunt threat.
What bothers me more is that young players never want to play back (or deep) in two-out situations - they are often afraid they can't throw well enough from the extra depth when the bigger risk is that they won't have enough time to move laterally on a hard hit grounder.

QRunner at 2nd

I was wondering if you might have some information how the second basemen and the short stop can hold a runner on without covering bag every time a ball is pitch. Also, I was wondering if you might have some information how to develop a pick off play with a runner on second base. We use a count system when a runner is to far off the bag at second by having the catch give a sign and the short stop breaks behind the runner, but maybe there is a better system.

AThere are a few pages of WebBall that cover fielder options for pick-offs, although they are not easy to find for fielders (they're all in the Pitching section). Check "Stop the running game" and also Pitcher's Playbook which has a subsidiary pages on pick-offs. I have seen both the count system and "daylight" systems work well.

QRunner on First

With a runner on first, I usually have my middle-infielders playing at double-play depth, but my second basemen have trouble getting over to cover first in time to receive a throw whenever a bunt is laid down. Any suggest on how to defend the bunt with a runner on first and how should I play that second baseman?

AFirst an observation... that's why baseball works... because for every move you make, they can have a counter move. To be honest we're not sure we understand the geometric value of "double play depth".

We pull both fielders closer to 2nd. Why? So we expect that with a runner on first the batter is more likely to hit up the middle? In truth it is only with the hope that the ball will take 2 seconds to go from bat to glove and that the toss to second will take 1.5, that the other fielder will be there in plenty of time, and that therefore the runner who needs 4 seconds to get to second will be out. Of course, if the ball isn't hit directly at the middle infielder, if the fielders have to move farther latterly, they have less chance to get to the ball at all and so the play breaks down.

The bunt is just a variation on the "takes longer for ball to get to the glove" part of the equation. The decision to go to "double play depth" or to defend against the bunt will depend on what you know of the other team's players - or more importantly their coach. Now, by playing closer to second, the non-ball-catching fielder does have more time to get to the bag for the first leg of the double play.

The catch however, is that you want to defend against the bunt. No matter how far off second a middle infielder plays he is still generally closer than where the base runner starts from, so his running distance is still less. Therefore not cheating too much towards second will allow him to play the hit or go to second when the hit is to shortstop, or first on a bunt, as needed. Of course, there is always the chance that the other team will try a hit-and-run. As I said: that's why baseball works.

QRunners & Outs

Runners on 1st and 2nd (no out or one out). Tying run on second. Defense puts on wheel play for bunt coverage. Corners are charging as well as the pitcher. 2B and SS sprint to cover first and third. Who is responsible for keeping runner at second close to bag so we might have a play at third?

AThe focus may be on lead runner, but it may be important to get an out somewhere. In the bottom of the last inning, of course, nothing truly matters but the lead runner. In fact your 'out' possibilities might be easier with bases loaded. First, pitcher needs to hold runner with help of 2B. (Assume SS needs to be off, priority on possible bunt is 3rd base.) At first sign of batter committing - SS has to break for 3rd ahead of runner, but 2B does not need to commit to first. There is a chance here to pull the runner off second before the pitcher has committed to the plate. Resulting in a rundown. Second possibility... 3B does not charge but decoys (fake charge and returns to 3rd) which leaves pitcher to handle left side for throw to 3rd. Another possibility... 2B holds his bag for possible double play and P covers at 1st - only 1B and 3B charge. There is potentially a big difference here between no outs and 1 out. (This is one of those topics that every time we discuss it, someone comes up with another answer, or another consideration.)

QStealing Risk

I am coaching my LL team and we are playing at 70' bases with leading and stealing. I want to know when my infielders should be holding on baserunners. Situations like, runners on first and second or bases loaded are very common and I am unsure who to hold on base and when infielders should just play their posItion. Any help you could provide would be helpful.

AFirst, always hold the lead runner. But even so, it depends on the score, number of outs, opportunity to catch someone off a base, etc.

If a lead runner is a real threat to steal - hold him closer or use a timing play to try and pick him off.

If the lead runner will not catch them up in the score then it may be as important to hold a slower trailing runner that you have a better chance to get.

With two out, it is usually better to focus on the batter - keep the runners in check, but allow the fielders to be a little off the bags. (In this case the out is more important than whether a runner gets to move up 70') Also it may depend on the batter. If he is a known ground ball hitter, with runners say on 2 and 1, then hold the guy at 1st, field up the middle - with the chance to turn a double play.

Sorry there isn't a single simple answer. But all the different situations and possibilities is what makes baseball fun.

QStuck in Outfield

I have a couple of parents who are upset that their kids aren't playing infield. These kids just moved up from mustang to bronco and are not ready to play infield at this level. They think being in the OF is a punishment. I've tried to explain to the kids about the importace of the OF in ear shot of the parents but it seems to work better for the kids. What do I do? I want the kids to have fun, but I want to give my kids a chance to win. I've played them at 2B a few times and the errors were costly. How do I handle the parents? I realize not everyone is going to be happy!

ATough situation, I've been there, So a few words of advice (and you might review a couple of the pages in the TeamWork section on similar issues.)

1. Be the coach - do what makes your kids feel good about themselves and their team - not for parents. (After all, parents are just could-be coaches who haven't been willing to give up their evenings, weekends and holidays.)

2. On the other hand, how much time have you given these kids in practice in infield? That has to come before game time. And I'm not sure that age or adjustment to bigger ball parks is any less an issue for outfielders - certainly not an automatic justification for younger kids playing outfield. (That idea alone may be part of your perception problem.) Which leads to the next point...

3. Don't assume that the best place to try them in infield is at 2B. There are more skills required for that position than most people appreciate. I always considered my second baseman to be unsung heroes - footwork, two-way throws, runner coverage, anticipating bad hops, cover both 1B and 2B. A kid without the quick feet or instincts might be better at third if the arm is there or at 1st if the glove is solid.

QThe Two-Base Walk

What defense do you suggest when the other team has a runner at third base, your team walks the batter, and s/he continues to second base?

Some assumptions - the team age is 11-12, at most 13-14, with none (or maybe one) out. Otherwise, on an older team, I'd throw out the runner. It's only younger teams with less confidence in their ability to manage a rundown or a throw-back to homeplate which creates this situation.

The real answer is much before the game. Practice throw-backs - i.e 1-4-1 or 1-6-1. Also practice effective rundowns - with as few throws as possible, and practice with a runner at third. In other words, if you can imagine it, practice it.

Without such advanced practice, there's only one good response. At the moment you see the walker run to second, your catcher should immediately throw to third. That runner is likely taking a normal lead - expecting either a throw to second or no throw at all. Surprise him!

QWrong Drill

I'll start by saying your site is GREAT!!! I've printed many pages and plan to use them often this season. I've put a link up on our league's page so that others can benefit from your great site.

Awhile back I saw a team drill you had posted here, but can't seem to find it again. The drill involved an infield and base runners. The ball would be hit to a fielder and the runner would take off for first. The fielder would throw to first and then the ball would be thrown to other fielders (maybe 'around the horn'?). Meanwhile the runner continued onto second, then third and home. The idea was for the fielders to complete a pre-defined series of throws, ending at home before the runner reached home. I can't find it, but would really like to.

AFirst, thanks. Every coach who tells just one other coach about WebBall and adds a link to his site, helps the WebBall community grow by another two dozen kids or so.

Now to your question...
You're right, I probably did have a drill like that on the site - I certainly used to run it with my teams a few years back. It's one of those drills that all coaches fall into. It gets balls flying, runners running and looks like something important must be happening.

But guess what? I've since realized that it's counter-productive. In a game situation, how often does a baserunner need to sprint 360 feet - pushing past the anaerobic alactic energy system needed for baseball? How often do infielders need to throw the ball back and forth and around the horn from base to base to base?

The same effect can be done better using the 'Round the Bags' drill. It has more to do with baseball - each fielder learns to follow his throw, each run is a single base burst of speed. (Okay the ball throwing is still exaggerated, but at least the ballistic and energy requirements are very baseball-like.)