SS and the throw down!

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Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
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.

There is a reason why in baseball there is a "double play depth". Not sure if there really is such a thing in softball with the smaller diamond but at the younger ages the
MI can have a difficult time being where they need to be in time. I tell my 8 YO to cheat towards second with her positioning with a man on first unless coaches tell you otherwise...
doesn't mean she does it though :rolleyes:
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Assuming SS covers 2nd on steal, CF can back up.

2nd needs to worry about bunt so go to 1st or on steal backup 2nd which she needs to cheat to 2nd for even making a moving or diving catch for.

Makes no sense to me. She can get to bag but not depth to make backing up meaning full.

Field is so short .

Younger ages DPs are not very common, even at older ages nothing compared to baseball.
 
Last edited:
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Assuming SS covers 2nd on steal, CF can back up.

2nd needs to worry about bunt so go to 1st or on steal backup 2nd which she needs to cheat to 2nd for even making a moving or diving catch for.

Makes no sense to me. She can get to bag but not depth to make backing up meaning full.

Field is so short .

Younger ages DPs are not very common, even at older ages nothing compared to baseball.

I agree about 2nd or SS backing up...not really a need. I was talking more about even the 2nd or SS getting to the bag in time to catch the throw down for a steal.
At the younger ages especially, trying to move and track the ball is hard for them. It is better if they can get there in plenty of time...
 
Last edited:
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
I never have 2B back up.

I see so many SS's come in front of the bag and lose possible outs. They need to be able to catch a short hop and apply the tag if the C misses low.
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
The ones that drive me crazy when I'm watching a game are the girls who set up two or three feet in front of the bag and then plan to run back. They're either trying to set up to where they think the catcher can throw, or they're trying to stay away from the bag so they don't get cleated. Either way, you're never going to get anyone out that way.
 
Sep 22, 2015
29
3
In my experience, I find it's hard to wait on the ball to get to the bag. We're moving to 10U next year and I teach SS to straddle the bag as opposed to playing the front corner. The ball will move faster than any player can, so, I choose to eliminate the reaching problem until they get old enough to let it get deep to apply the drop tag. I do think it is more comfortable to play the front corner.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Sliding seems optional at younger ages, I would try to keep fielder out of the way. Need to see it but straddling bag might put fielder in danger of getting runner over.
 
Feb 27, 2017
95
0
The Problem with straddling the bag at second, lets say the SS misses a low or high throw. Now she is in the way , and if the runner ( any good aggressive player will) goes to third, its more than likely an obstruction. She gets 3rd even if 2nd or CF gets a clean backup. I practice this every week, if the cover player is there, get up and go making contact. Now we aren't going out of our way, but if she's on the base, go.
 
May 22, 2015
410
28
Illinois
When DD plays short she straddles the bag on the throw down. I've noticed if she is stealing second base and see's that the shortstop is in front of the bag for the throw down she does a hook slide to the back corner.
 

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