covering on steals

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Nov 4, 2015
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Were practicing with our 12u team last night and we were going over covering steals at 3rd and 2nd. I know at third it is normal to cover straddling the bag. I know this is the correct way, but with our throws not always being on line, would it be better to receive as if you were a ss covering second in front of the bag? This would allow for the 3rd baseman to be able to move down the line and still make a play on a wild throw without colliding with the runner. Plus, 3rd base is normally playing in front of the bag, so this shortens the distance they have to cover by a step. Really like for ss to cover in front of the bag unless they have trouble finding the bag as they cover. 2nd baseman may have to straddle the bag because of lack of time. Would still prefer them in front of the bag as a throw in the dirt will hit the runner and may get kicked into the outfield if they are behind the bag or straddling. Just trying to get the girls in the best location to hopefully get an out, but also stop wild throws and not give up extra bases. Not set in our ways, just wanting some opinions. thanks for any help.
 

SB45

Dad, Coach, Chauffeur
Sep 2, 2016
150
28
Western NY
Not completely sure I understand your thinking. Your player being positioned in front of the bag could help with short throws only...I think of wild throws being off line or way over their head. At 3rd...really difficult for the SS to get to the front of the bag unless she cheats a ton and abandons her fielding position early...this is usually a foot race to the bag. agree it is a tough play for the 3B to cover the bag...but don't see her being in a position to help with a wild throw either...you have to back up the play with LF. At 2B, I think it is fine for the SS covering to angle to the front of the bag...again, doesn't help with wild throws, only short ones. At the front of the bag they are well positioned for the very common short hop into 2B and for placing a tag up the running lane. A potential downside is a tougher tag for a slide away from the bag. On close throws I want the SS to take a chance...the priority for her is the base runner and trying to make that out...backing up the play are for the 2B and CF to handle. Of course, if the throw is wild and there is no play at the base the SS should try to get that ball. If wild throws are your concern...work on backing up the play and improving the throws.
 
Nov 4, 2015
320
43
SB45, what i am concerned with is the throw just a little down the baseline. Being in front of the bag allows you to take a step to catch the ball without being in the baseline. You still have a chance to make a play without the collision with the runner. Not a high level team, but improving. not a ton of perfect throws. Dont think we are at the level yet where SS is covering on the steal at third, but that will be an adventure when we get there!
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
The reason you don't want to take the throw short is that the ball moves much faster than the glove can. I wouldn't change how you cover, but if you can teach the girls how to move to catch an offline throw it will pay huge dividends. Just because you set up straddling the bag doesn't mean you don't move when the throw is on the way. I still see kids at pretty high levels who don't every move their feet. If you have some softer balls practice it with everyone. It helps in every position. I would expect that your catchers will be really good at it, but if you can find a couple of others you can start doing more things on defense. Work on it playing catch. See how many "bad" throws could be caught by a good catch.
 

SB45

Dad, Coach, Chauffeur
Sep 2, 2016
150
28
Western NY
SB45, what i am concerned with is the throw just a little down the baseline. Being in front of the bag allows you to take a step to catch the ball without being in the baseline. You still have a chance to make a play without the collision with the runner. Not a high level team, but improving. not a ton of perfect throws. Dont think we are at the level yet where SS is covering on the steal at third, but that will be an adventure when we get there!

See I was was right...I didn't understand what you were saying. With the question you posed...I'd be fine with the 3B taking the throw at the front of the base. But...understand you are weeks away from a fake bunt making coverage by the 3rd baseman impossible...unless you ignore the fake...then a real bunt will make it impossible.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Steal on 2nd, I want 2nd baseperson out of way. She can go get a hot dog as far as I am concerned.

I usually have SS cover, but sometimes will have 2B cover if it's a big pull hitter and I want SS to play more in the hole and hold her ground. What I never like is for the other to back up. Let CF do it and only have one IF moving.
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I did not express it very well but that was what I was after. In order to be in a good backup position they need to cheat a lot and get out of position to field the ball and will still probably be in bad back up position.

I absolutely hate telling a player not to get involved, this is one of the few cases.
 

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