"Get the ball back to the pitcher" - absolute? situational?

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Nov 18, 2015
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Somewhat related to the MI positioning thread - New "9U" team - mix of 8, 9, and 1 or 2 10 YOs. 1st experience of kid pitch and a constantly "live" ball (overthrows, etc.) for many of them. First set of games this past weekend. Wow - despite practices 2x week, there's just never enough time to prepare them for a real game!

I'd like to know if it's standard FP strategy, or just age dependent, to force the pitcher to stay in the circle for almost every play except to cover home on a PB? Sometimes the pitcher would walk out of the circle to either get closer to the catcher (on a PB, but runner not on 3B yet), or get closer to the IF relaying it in from the OF. Each time, she was told to stay in the circle.

I get the look back rule, and how being in the circle effectively kills the play. But do you still emphasize the need to stay in the circle when there's little chance of the ball making it (accurately) back to the pitcher in the first place? Is this a "get in the habit now"-type instruction, or more coaching preference?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
At that level, depending on the skill and experience level of the P, staying in the circle (except to cover as you noted), is a pretty common plan. However, I have seen that evolve in some players to become a limiting factor for them in making plays on batted balls in their general direction. They react almost as though the chalk of the circle is a fence.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
LBR might not kill the play if the runners keep running.

At that age I like the P staying in the circle. When in doubt the fielder know where someone is and should throw it to them. Leaves ball in what is probably 1 of your better players hand with a short throw to wherever she wants.
 
Aug 23, 2016
359
43
DD's coach wants P in the circle unless she's part of the play. So she needs to cover home on a PB, and field anything that comes back through the circle that she can reach, and charge bunts. But once it's clear the play will not involve her, she needs to stay in the circle, be ready to receive the throw, and pay attention to whatever the lead runner is trying to do. (And if the throw is bad, coach wants her to get the throw and then get back in the circle.)

They do regular pitcher fielding practice to get them comfortable with all of this.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
The lookback rule does not kill play. Runners can run all day long as long as they do not stop on a base or violate any of the restrictions on them in the rule.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,133
113
Dallas, Texas
But do you still emphasize the need to stay in the circle when there's little chance of the ball making it (accurately) back to the pitcher in the first place? Is this a "get in the habit now"-type instruction, or more coaching preference?

At your DD's age (10U), she should be encouraged to make the play if possible. Pitchers at that age are often one of the best athletes on the field, so you want her to handle the ball if possible.

Around 16U, the best athlete on the field is usually the SS. The P is often the worst fielder on the field. So, at 16U, you want the P fielding only balls that no other player can get to.

In college, the P is told to stay inside the circle.
 

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