Bunt coverages....?

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Apr 27, 2012
70
0
It is not one size fits all. Mine changes with who I have in the circle...... What level are you playing?

We'll be first year 14U and everyone is pretty darn good, no hiding or needing to compromise because one kid can't execute. We did BC2 for a few years, and moved to BC1 because F4 would fail to block throws that weren't perfect. All our pitchers are pretty alert and have done well covering the 1st base line. For the most part last year it was rare that F2 even fielded a bunt. It was mostly F5 followed by F1. Not sure we need a big change, but just wanted to see if anyone felt strongly one way or another.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,165
38
New England
We'll be first year 14U and everyone is pretty darn good, no hiding or needing to compromise because one kid can't execute. We did BC2 for a few years, and moved to BC1 because F4 would fail to block throws that weren't perfect. All our pitchers are pretty alert and have done well covering the 1st base line. For the most part last year it was rare that F2 even fielded a bunt. It was mostly F5 followed by F1. Not sure we need a big change, but just wanted to see if anyone felt strongly one way or another.

re bunts along the 1B line - one of the problems w/ P fielding these bunts is that her momentum often carries her into a position where the throw has to be made in consideration of the legal running lane (and runner, who sometimes may not be in the legal running lane). 1B is moving more straight ahead and doesn't have the same problem, however she does have to pivot to throw back to the bag. 2B can have the same problem as the pitcher due to the angle of approach. Catcher (righty or lefty) has the easiest play and should get whatever they possibly can.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
We'll be first year 14U and everyone is pretty darn good, no hiding or needing to compromise because one kid can't execute. We did BC2 for a few years, and moved to BC1 because F4 would fail to block throws that weren't perfect. All our pitchers are pretty alert and have done well covering the 1st base line. For the most part last year it was rare that F2 even fielded a bunt. It was mostly F5 followed by F1. Not sure we need a big change, but just wanted to see if anyone felt strongly one way or another.

You will find that things will become much more dynamic as the game gets faster. When you get past 14U especially in 18U you will get eaten alive using BC1. But the good news is that any F4 that cannot cover 1st will be long gone. It is not so much changing the defense as knowing who can do what. I have had some pitchers that I did not want fielding bunts unless they had to and 2 others that were beasts and all the other players knew to stay out of their way. Think diving for pop ups within a few feet of home plate. The Gators from last season are a good example as things were very different with Ocasio in the circle vs Haeger.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,036
0
Portland, OR
Sac Bunt with runner on 1st:

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Oct 22, 2009
1,528
0
PA
In BC2, I am not a big fan of the LF covering 3rd. It is not a coverage you see in HS and college. My preference is to have LF back up 3rd. We do one of two things:
1. Pitcher and 3B - if 3B fields the bunt, P covers 3rd. If 3B does not field the bunt, she retreats and covers 3rd.
2. Catcher - if C does not field the bunt, she covers 3rd and 1B covers home. I have not used this much in the past as I've had only 2 Cs on the team and it can burn them out quickly in a long hot tournament. This year i have 4 Cs on the team, so we will be using this more.
 
Jul 10, 2014
1,283
0
C-bus Ohio
BC2 for my rec and MS teams. Super simple, but I coach to get the out. I'd like to know what the RE is in each situation based on coverage used. Damn, I wonder how you'd get that data, that would be a cool project.
 
Jan 20, 2015
170
16
Indiana
You can do what we do quite often,,,,,,,3 chArges 1 lolligags, 2 stays put and the catcher pitcher yield th 3 no matter what. Then we end up with first base in no mans land second base well standinging between first and second with no one covering any bags. Everyone is safe!! Works very well and you don't even have to practice it, in fact I practice just the opposite and this methods is so efficient our girls just go back to it !!!!! :D
 

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