Bunt defense 10U B

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Feb 15, 2017
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Just curious what the experts say. Keep in mind this is from the angle of 10U B level. Some teams we face have multiple elaborate bunt coverages with kids running all over the field in different circumstances. My theory on bunt coverage at this level has been this: seems like the best athletes on the field tend to be P and C's and my pitchers "get out" because of great leg drive. So in theory my pitcher starts 35 feet from the back of the plate and this distance is reduced by the 5-6ft leg drive and the fact the bunter is in the front of the box with the ball generally stopping 2 feet in front of the plate. So - the way I see it my pitcher (best athlete) has to cover about 25 feet to field the ball and throw to first by the time the runner has to go 55-60 feet.

We don't see that many girls that can push a bunt (intentionally) past a defense or have real good placement for that matter. Obviously as you get older this changes.

There are some definite drawbacks as they get older but for now our baserunners kill other teams elaborate defenses because undoubtedly someone forgets where they are going. We draw the 3b in with a fake bunt and literally walk 2nd to 3rd sometimes.

Very interested to hear what everyone thinks about P and C taking care of bunts at this age/level and if you all think I am crazy?!?
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I would prefer 3rd to come in too, then depending on runners SS to 3rd and CF to 2nd. Since you are only doing this 1 play they will figure it out quickly.

Since you just want the out at 1st, you are still keeping this in place.

I would not be afraid to add more when they figure that one out, keeps them in the game.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I like both corners charging - even at that level - but if you prefer to leave 1B at the base, and have P cover the 1B side of the diamond, that's up to you. Leaving it all for P and C is too much ground to cover.

IMO, it's important for 3B to cover bunts because their angle of travel makes for a better throw. P covering 3B side has to make a big change of direction (maybe even 180 degress) to throw, which is slow,and increases the likelihood of a mistake. Quick and aggressive fielders are my favorite kind of 3Bs for that reason.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
So SS cover 3B and not LF and CF cover 2B rather than 2B? Or what is the best coverage in your opinion?

Here's the way we run it for my DD's 12U TB team - Bunt with runner at 1B...

F5 and F3 both crash.
F4 covers 1B.
F6 covers 2B.

If F5 fields the ball, F2 covers 3B. If anyone else fields the ball, F5 turns back to cover 3B.
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
coachbubbles :D

10U B. Your at a developmental age & level. Especially within the infield. You should be supporting the program's outline of bunt defense, or the expectations of the older girls.

Practice more, play less is a suggestion. Especially during the week.

Covering all bunt scenarios with the 1-2 positions isn't a short term, or long term solution. At that age, if you bunt other D's at will, it's good advice to be able to take that same strategy away from your opponents.

You could keep it simple by defining a few set coverages, such as 1-3's, 3-5's, etc., and solidify your base responsibilities within those.

Chris
 
Jan 31, 2011
453
43
When I coached 10U this was my broad observations. I learned to have the "corners crash" on the bunt. F5 had a strong arm and I wanted her to be the bunt hog. Our F3 had a good glove and a tall kid. F4 was scrappy, but tiny. We gave up too many freaking bunts for hit because my F4 was a squirt and didn't have the solid glove to catch the ball covering 1b. The ball ticked off her glove many times. My adjustment was like a slap coverage on the right side. F3 stayed back, F4 covered the right side, left side was F5s territory.

By keeping my F3 back, we took the bunt away and it worked well.

I think its important to adjust your coaching style to the strengths of the kids. Sure, learning the correct play is important, but success is also important to learning... just my 2 cents.

I'm a big advocate of 3b to be covered by either F1 or F5 (whoever didn't field the bunt), F6 covers 2b. Also, with a runner on 1b, and a bunt; we get that out at 1b and then always make the throw to 2b to try and catch the runner rounding the bag hard...
 
Last edited:
Feb 15, 2017
391
43
I appreciate all the suggestions. Will definitely give our girls the challenge. While what we do now has been successful 90% of the time it's not getting the girls ready for the next level and that is the job at 10u. I like the idea of keeping them interested by showing them how much there is to learn as they advance.

All my prior experience has been at the older levels where this was absolutely necessary. I guess this was taking the easy way out by taking less risk since some of my personnel are relatively challenged with the basics of throwing and catching the ball .

Fundamentals/teaching >winning at this age and I have to keep that in mind working with the younger ones.

Thanks for all the suggestions - I will develop a plan a we will get started right away!
 

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