I get this same tactic from one of my opponents periodically. It is in MS ball (7 & 8 grade) and we play them two to three times a year. It does not happen all the time, mainly when my smaller girls are on base, and it happened again last week.
At least three times this occurred: we have a runner on second and the ball is hit to the outfield. Third base positions herself with one one foot right in the middle of the bag and her body over the inside corner of the bag. The ball is nowhere close enough for her to make a play. The tactic being coached is to take this position to deny the inside of the bag to our runner and force her to take a longer route home.
Last year when this happened my SS (at the time about 5'9" and a solid 180) took her regular path through the first baseman on her way to second. That put a stop to it for the rest of that game. I can't say I encouraged it, but I sure did not discourage it.
I prefer to not have my players initiate contact, but it appears to be the most effective way of dealing with the problem.
What do some of you do or suggest? I am open to any suggestions.
At least three times this occurred: we have a runner on second and the ball is hit to the outfield. Third base positions herself with one one foot right in the middle of the bag and her body over the inside corner of the bag. The ball is nowhere close enough for her to make a play. The tactic being coached is to take this position to deny the inside of the bag to our runner and force her to take a longer route home.
Last year when this happened my SS (at the time about 5'9" and a solid 180) took her regular path through the first baseman on her way to second. That put a stop to it for the rest of that game. I can't say I encouraged it, but I sure did not discourage it.
I prefer to not have my players initiate contact, but it appears to be the most effective way of dealing with the problem.
What do some of you do or suggest? I am open to any suggestions.