SS or 2nd cover on the hit straight up the middle

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Feb 27, 2019
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Had this come up for debate last night in practice. who covers 2nd with a ball straight up the middle. it's an easy decision when the ball is clearly right or left of center. My initial thoughts were the faster player our SS in this case should go out for the ball. alternative was stated that 2nd should go out because SS can keep eyes on the play without turn her back to it. ( you could argue that need for vision would be situational and warrant adjustment based on base runners. After further thought, I think I like running it like a throw from the catcher and SS cover and second coming through deeper and going to cut. how do you all do it and why.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
both as above, and if they are playing different depths, the deeper one will basically be moving into backup position for the other. should like like a blue angel fly by ;)
 

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
Theoretically, the SS is the best player in the infield, so I'd rather have her handling the ball whenever possible. 2B covers the bag and SS moves into short CF to handle the throw, if necessary. For a throw home from the OF, your 1B should be handling the mid-infield cut.
 
May 16, 2016
1,024
113
Illinois
Theoretically, the SS is the best player in the infield, so I'd rather have her handling the ball whenever possible. 2B covers the bag and SS moves into short CF to handle the throw, if necessary. For a throw home from the OF, your 1B should be handling the mid-infield cut.

That is how we do it also.
 
Feb 27, 2019
137
28
the hit I'm referring to went right over second base and both players went for it and couldn't get to it. They then were both near the grass with no one covering either the base or the cut.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
Depends which defense you're in. A one back defense, where you're keeping the first baseman back when covering bunts, It's the second baseman's responsibility and SS is backup. If you're keeping third back, it's the SS's responsibility and 2nd now backs up. If you're in a slap defense, SS covers 2nd and usually 1st or P backs up on the throw coming in. A 2 back or no back defense is what most coaches teach at a younger age to avoid confusion. This seems to be what most posters are discussing on this thread. However, I will say that, in this defense, the cut to middle of the infield toward 3rd base on a throw to home (throw from LF, LC) I have handled by my pitcher and to the middle of the infield to the first base line ( throw from CF, RC, and RF) is handled by my 1st baseman. Just what I and many other coaches do from my area.
 
Last edited:

BigSkyHi

All I know is I don't know
Jan 13, 2020
1,385
113
Our SS takes the throw from the CF because the SS has the better arm.
 

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