Stealing Defense

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Aug 9, 2013
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The only other option you have is if you know it is an obvious bunt situation - you can have the short cover the bunt and leave 3B at home. But generally speaking, the SS needs to cover 3B and they have to communicate with each other that she is there or you will have two players going back to 3B.

Also, remind LF to back up that throw.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
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The problem with SS always covering third is that it's essentially a footrace between SS and the runner on 2B. Usually the SS will cheat to their right or not hold their fielding position long enough.

If you can mix in some other coverages the coach will stop messing with you.
 
Jun 21, 2012
74
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Simple rotation right. Third stays back, short covers second, second covers first, first crashes. Pitcher covers left side. Modify if you like by having catcher come out, third base side and have pitcher cover home.

I never like leaving a base uncovered by infielders. Our normal bunt coverage is... Third crash, short covers third, second covers second, and first stays back. Pitcher covers right side. Very seldom do I have both first and third crash because I hate having a my outfielders cover bases or my pitcher covering a base.

Reason: They get the least amount of tag-runner work. Second reason: My pitcher has enough to deal with dodging hit balls, I'd rather not have her worry about a runner and a thrown ball coming at her.

If I see a team using center to cover second, I will fake-bunt steal every time. Once I get the defense to change the play, I will then lay down the bunt. Now my runners know, on the bunt, she is going to third, not stopping at second anymore.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Simple rotation right. Third stays back, short covers second, second covers first, first crashes. Pitcher covers left side. Modify if you like by having catcher come out, third base side and have pitcher cover home.

The problem with all of these defenses is that you are giving something up. In the case above they re susceptible to bunts down the 3B line. If you ONLY run this coverage good teams will bunt every time.

Mix in the above coverage with the standard defense and you wont' get picked on.
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
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Back on the dirt...
Simple rotation right. Third stays back, short covers second, second covers first, first crashes. Pitcher covers left side. Modify if you like by having catcher come out, third base side and have pitcher cover home.

I never like leaving a base uncovered by infielders. Our normal bunt coverage is... Third crash, short covers third, second covers second, and first stays back. Pitcher covers right side. Very seldom do I have both first and third crash because I hate having a my outfielders cover bases or my pitcher covering a base.

Reason: They get the least amount of tag-runner work. Second reason: My pitcher has enough to deal with dodging hit balls, I'd rather not have her worry about a runner and a thrown ball coming at her.

If I see a team using center to cover second, I will fake-bunt steal every time. Once I get the defense to change the play, I will then lay down the bunt. Now my runners know, on the bunt, she is going to third, not stopping at second anymore.


Did you miss that the runner is starting on 2b?
 
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