SS and the throw down!

djcarter1966 · Sep 11, 2017

WHEREAMI said:
I see what you are saying, and I can agree, in front of the base line. BUT cutting in front of the runner to receive the ball is an obstruction waiting to happen. We practice throws so the girls know where to be, if throw gets by ss. We haven't yet given up a base, actually thrown a few out. Most base runners, over run, or get to aggressive.

You can't obstruct as the SS if you come from 3B side and cut in front of baseline unless runner takes a weird angle. As 2B you are always careful not to obstruct since you are coming from slightly behind (usually) and are on the basepath side

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WHEREAMI · Sep 11, 2017

djcarter1966 said:
You can't obstruct as the SS if you come from 3B side and cut in front of baseline unless runner takes a weird angle. As 2B you are always careful not to obstruct since you are coming from slightly behind (usually) and are on the basepath side

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE

If the throw is off to the 2nd base side, most SS go toward 1st to retrieve it. So YES, you can obstruct as a SS. Which is why, I coach go to the bag, and not across. Works for me and my girls.

Chris Delorit · Sep 12, 2017

daave266,

Very good question.

Here's a great place for you to start middle infield....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo5ac7V0ElQ

JAD added something very important. Catcher's only concern after her infield signals is throwing to that one spot. Everything else is your middle infield communication and receiving responsibility. That player has to be in position to receive the throw, or it's extra bases on the overthrow to the OF. Of course, you'll also have your backups positioning as well to minimize the damage on any overthrows.

Also, overlooked is teaching your defenseive players to always know the game attributes, such as who's on base and number of outs. Quickly transitioning from that first play (your throw to 2nd) to potential subsequent play (your possible overthrow into the OF) is also very important aspect of the game to teach to your kids.

Chris

T.J. · Sep 12, 2017

Have always thought it's best and quickest to wait for the ball to hit the glove, then drop the tag down...setting up over the base allows this. Setting up anywhere in front you need to catch and sweep the arm which adds time to the process.

_MIA_ · Sep 12, 2017

I was always taught to straddle. However this is predicated upon a) the catcher being able to consistently make an accurate throw and b) runners knowing how to slide e.g. you don't start your slide a foot from the bag. At the younger
age groups where these conditions are not always met, being in front of the bag allows the SS to a) adjust easier to bad throws and b) not be in the line of fire for a runner with no idea how to slide....I also agree that what is more
important is how to receive the ball e.g. let it to come to you and always work from the ground up on short hops.

djcarter1966 · Sep 12, 2017

WHEREAMI said:
djcarter1966 said:

You can't obstruct as the SS if you come from 3B side and cut in front of baseline unless runner takes a weird angle. As 2B you are always careful not to obstruct since you are coming from slightly behind (usually) and are on the basepath side

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE

If the throw is off to the 2nd base side, most SS go toward 1st to retrieve it. So YES, you can obstruct as a SS. Which is why, I coach go to the bag, and not across. Works for me and my girls.

Click to expand...

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I am saying go to the bag and straddle but IF you see the throw is off to the 1B side only then would you go across the front of the bag IN FRONT of the base path so you avoid obstruction which is why I would describe it more like cutting off the throw because your intent is not longer to try and get an out simply to stop the ball from going to the outfield.

Westwind · Sep 12, 2017

Chris Delorit said:
daave266,

Very good question.

Here's a great place for you to start middle infield....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo5ac7V0ElQ

JAD added something very important. Catcher's only concern after her infield signals is throwing to that one spot. Everything else is your middle infield communication and receiving responsibility. That player has to be in position to receive the throw, or it's extra bases on the overthrow to the OF. Of course, you'll also have your backups positioning as well to minimize the damage on any overthrows.

Also, overlooked is teaching your defenseive players to always know the game attributes, such as who's on base and number of outs. Quickly transitioning from that first play (your throw to 2nd) to potential subsequent play (your possible overthrow into the OF) is also very important aspect of the game to teach to your kids.

Chris

This is a baseball video but my daughters were fortunate to have a former SEC ss that lives a short distance away and gave lessons until recently. That is exactly how she taught it. Setting up this way was the first step in protecting yourself too as they would usually try to take you out if they could.

Tango · Sep 12, 2017

T.J. said:
Have always thought it's best and quickest to wait for the ball to hit the glove, then drop the tag down...setting up over the base allows this. Setting up anywhere in front you need to catch and sweep the arm which adds time to the process.

I agree it's easier to let it travel straddling the bag but if you are in front of the bag and let the ball pass your left hip you catch it at the same place. If you look disinterested and catch the ball at the last second sometimes they have no clue the ball is coming. I think both work and really depends on your catcher and SS.

KCPhoto · Sep 13, 2017

Chris Delorit said:
daave266,

Very good question.

Here's a great place for you to start middle infield....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo5ac7V0ElQ

JAD added something very important. Catcher's only concern after her infield signals is throwing to that one spot. Everything else is your middle infield communication and receiving responsibility. That player has to be in position to receive the throw, or it's extra bases on the overthrow to the OF. Of course, you'll also have your backups positioning as well to minimize the damage on any overthrows.

Also, overlooked is teaching your defenseive players to always know the game attributes, such as who's on base and number of outs. Quickly transitioning from that first play (your throw to 2nd) to potential subsequent play (your possible overthrow into the OF) is also very important aspect of the game to teach to your kids.

Chris

I watched this Cal Ripkin video and I have a problem with how soon they make SS abandon their position. They repeatedly stress that SS needs to be straddling the bag Before the catcher throws. To do this, they have to start moving before the ball passes the batter.

I instruct catchers to throw at the right side of the bag about 3 ft high and if SS or 2nd doesn't get there, it's on them. But they can't cover until they know the ball won't be hit.

If I'm on offense and I see another team moving early, I'm calling for a hit and run, hopefully to the left side.

I like the idea of covering in front of the baseline to let SS catch a ball that errs toward first, but I've never had one that could get outs when we practiced it that way. Straggling the bag and a good throw can get outs. For younger teams, 2B is going to get a lot of backup practice.

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quincy · Sep 13, 2017

One of my pet peeves, DD plays 2nd a lot.

She has 0 chance of playing her position and backing up 2nd on steal.

2nd I ask just get out of way of runner.

SS and the throw down!

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djcarter1966

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_MIA_

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