3B or 2B
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While they are both important, I'd take a stronger 3B with a less_________ 2B, because a weak corner will get exploited a lot more quickly and you'll find yourself on the wrong end of a small ball beating. However if your playing a less experienced team that just gets the hit away sign from her first period math teacher every at bat, then the odds are that their batting will not be up to par and its in those games that a stronger 2B is needed over 3rd due to the majority of the balls hit will statistically be late and will go to the right side. So game plan your opponents and make the nesc. adjustments to your defence.
redhotcoach
Out on good behavior
- May 8, 2009
- 4,706
- 38
Used to think that you should put your weakest player at 2nd. "The game" has a magical way of directing EVERY hard hit ball into players zone when you attempt that theory.
Both position need to be quality players.
Both position need to be quality players.
Unless you have a real flame thrower I would put my better player at 3rd. 2nd has a lot more responsibilities and a lot of their job is being in the right place. If you don’t have a good 3rd basemen you will get abuse with bunts.
Last year DD’s Team had a 3rd basemen that made the SS almost worthless, she covered the entire left side of the field. I have never seen anything like it.
Last year DD’s Team had a 3rd basemen that made the SS almost worthless, she covered the entire left side of the field. I have never seen anything like it.
Last edited:
- Aug 9, 2013
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Here's my big thing with my 2B - when the ball is hit to her, it better be an out. My 3B - I get the throw is long, they have to be ready for the bunt - lot happening for them.
I think that the real difference between the two is arm strength. Your third baseman has to have a heck of an arm to make that throw to first. I think that is why you see a lot of catchers there as their secondary position. Third baseman have to also have quick reflexes and nerves of steel as they charge a bunt and still get that throw off. In younger ages you used to be able to put your weakest infielder at 2nd but once you get to 12U and above you need a fast, quality player there. They need to be able to charge the balls hit there, cover 2nd for a catcher throw down and have the aggressiveness to put down that tag. So IMO neither is more important but need some different qualities in a player for each position...
- Sep 29, 2014
- 2,421
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Agreed with many post...by 12U and higher you need a player at second who understands the game and can be in the right place at the right time and hustles, like another poster said balls hit to second have to be outs.
At third it gets harder because balls are hit harder and the distance to batter is shorter but throw is longer you need quick reflexes and a strong arm. I want someone who will knock balls down that are headed down the line for a double and not throw the ball over first base leading to a runner at second. So at third I need no batters going to second but I still need outs most of the time whether its a hot shot or a bunt
At third it gets harder because balls are hit harder and the distance to batter is shorter but throw is longer you need quick reflexes and a strong arm. I want someone who will knock balls down that are headed down the line for a double and not throw the ball over first base leading to a runner at second. So at third I need no batters going to second but I still need outs most of the time whether its a hot shot or a bunt
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your candidates? Each position favors a slightly different skill-set.
Second better be darned quick left to right.
Third better be a bull-dog who is not afraid of anything, who definitely watches the hands of the batter (for a bunt) and charges when she should.
