Softball plays--question for RAD

[sluggers]

@RADcatcher played at the top of the softball pyramid. It is really great to have someone available with that kind of experience.

I'm curious about defensive positioning. For the coverage on steals at 2B, did you change who covered on a steal?

 

[radness]

@sluggers . Thanku for the kind words.

Pretty standard on straight steal.
Generally ss takes throws to 2nd.
(Back picks F4/2nd take throws if runner already on 2nd. Not comming from 1st )

Difficult for F4/2nd to take throws
and get there fast enough.
Considering they cant take off when the runner can.

Especially under 1.8 pop times.
( thats a complete done play)
However do see coaches that try/apply that.
F4 comming in behind
runner can have obstruction issues in base path without the ball.
(think obstruction correct word)
Also need to consider what else F4/2nd has to do.
Runner on 1st can represent bunt situation and need to cover 1st.
(Actually do like 1st to stay back for backpicks! Hard for F4 to get there fast enough.
( nice to add sneak/cheat play tho)
1.3 & 1.4 poptime back picks to 1st can keep runners close to the bag!
Especially after picking one off )

That decision might be made pending who's playing on the field, who's at bat, and who's pitching.

I like ss taking throw as they are comming into the play in front of them.
They can see runner comming as they are heading to the base (same time visual field).

Like defensive player receiving throw just in front of inside corner of the bag.
( between pitcher and bag)
Not stradling.
Not to the sides.
Not behind reaching over.

Like the ball to get in their glove as soon a possible to apply tag.
Like the throw lined up with the base.
Technical throwing can get even cleaner and tighter spot
Where the defense receives throw in such a spot the runner slides into it.
( no movement for tag needed)

 

[Rolling Hard]

Since its ask the Rad day, I have one question too. You mentioned 1st base staying back which puts more pressure on the pitcher to field the bunt. Lack of pitchers agility and defensive skills is a pet peeve of mine that is often overlooked (not worked on enough). A good defensive pitcher can really help herself out, IMO. Have you ever worked with a pitcher that stunk defensively? What did you do?

 

[radness]

Since its ask the Rad day, I have one question too. You mentioned 1st base staying back which puts more pressure on the pitcher to field the bunt. Lack of pitchers agility and defensive skills is a pet peeve of mine that is often overlooked (not worked on enough). A good defensive pitcher can really help herself out, IMO. Have you ever worked with a pitcher that stunk defensively? What did you do?

Great topic!
Imo, Pitchers are defensive players !!
Not all treated as such.
Perhaps not all given enough training to be.
Not all enjoy the defensive aspect

I believe one of the strengths of our Long Beach State 49ers team is that all of our pitchers were also good defensive players.

What can be done to help?
Train pitchers at practice!!!
Train on our own!!!

While it may be true a pitcher. may not want to put themselves in the line of fire of grounders, they should be able to at least get the glove on the ball if anything to protect themselves.
At least at a bare minimum pitchers should train working on fielding bunts and making throws to first.
Even underhand to first may be a safer throw!

Yes played with a couple pitchers who were ONLY pitchers.
We new this and catcher and corners played tight.
Even on pop ups instead of yelling "ball ball" or "i go"...
We yelled "MOVE."

The more we develop all of our skill sets the more well rounded of an athlete we can be. More well rounded team.
However,
Strategy is knowing the players on the field and everyone knowing how to work together.

 

[_MIA_]

Even on pop ups instead of yelling "ball ball" or "i go"...
We yelled "MOVE."

Get the f*%# out of the way would have been more effective..

 

[Sparky Guy]

A thing to add to your training. The pitcher needs to know when to leave a ball alone. Too often I see a pitcher try and field a smarly hit grounder to her right and tip the ball JUST as the SS has a bead on the ball and is setting up to make the on-the-run throw to get the hitter.

For most pitchers I tell them anything outside the width of the circle, leave it alone and let your middles take care of it.

Another thing I do with the younger kids is to draw lines on the field outlining what part of the field is thier responsibility for each position. It helps them understand what balls they are expected to go and get.

 

[sluggers]

Yes played with a couple pitchers who were ONLY pitchers. We knew this and catcher and corners played tight.

Even on pop ups instead of yelling "ball ball" or "i go"....we yelled "MOVE."

LMAO

My DD was the best fielder on her HS team, and one of the best fielders on her TB team. She wasn't even close in college.

 

[Anthony Vertuccio]

@sluggers . Thanku for the kind words.

Pretty standard on straight steal.
Generally ss takes throws to 2nd.
(Back picks F4/2nd take throws if runner already on 2nd. Not comming from 1st )

Difficult for F4/2nd to take throws
and get there fast enough.
Considering they cant take off when the runner can.

Especially under 1.8 pop times.
( thats a complete done play)
However do see coaches that try/apply that.
F4 comming in behind
runner can have obstruction issues in base path without the ball.
(think obstruction correct word)
Also need to consider what else F4/2nd has to do.
Runner on 1st can represent bunt situation and need to cover 1st.
(Actually do like 1st to stay back for backpicks! Hard for F4 to get there fast enough.
( nice to add sneak/cheat play tho)
1.3 & 1.4 poptime back picks to 1st can keep runners close to the bag!
Especially after picking one off )

That decision might be made pending who's playing on the field, who's at bat, and who's pitching.

I like ss taking throw as they are comming into the play in front of them.
They can see runner comming as they are heading to the base (same time visual field).

Like defensive player receiving throw just in front of inside corner of the bag.
( between pitcher and bag)
Not stradling.
Not to the sides.
Not behind reaching over.

Like the ball to get in their glove as soon a possible to apply tag.
Like the throw lined up with the base.
Technical throwing can get even cleaner and tighter spot
Where the defense receives throw in such a spot the runner slides into it.
( no movement for tag needed)

Can you post a visual of
Like defensive player receiving throw just in front of inside corner of the bag.
( between pitcher and bag). Im more of a visual learner. Thank you

 

[radness]

Can you post a visual of
Like defensive player receiving throw just in front of inside corner of the bag.
( between pitcher and bag). Im more of a visual learner. Thank you

Found a few pic's.
Perhaps someone has better pics!
This first pic closest i could find for good visual.
Will try to add details.
This ss is a bit to the left of 2nd base. (perhaps throw lead them there)
However in front of base tagging to her left side.
Giving no chance of runner to slide into the throw.
*Clear path for throw to reach ss. And clear under feet to move if needed.
(not stradling bag)
And
*Leaves clear running path open for runner.

_________________________

However this next pic shows what looks like ss little further back stradling.
Dont care for this.
Can see ss leg clearly in base path.
And throw will be reaching ss right when runner will.
Because defender farther back.
1. Ball has to travel farther.
2. Now also has to contend with the runner sliding in.
3. Leg exposed.
4. Even if throw gets there sooner the runner will be sliding directly into the ss.

As a RUNNER always would notice where defense is standing to receive throw.
In the second picture.
*Would have slid (not dove)
To the front side of the base
Sliding directly into there glove.
Intentionally disrupting ball path!
Ss would have to deal with me and ball same time.
In this pic it looks as though the ss took the backside of 2nd base away by putting her leg there.
She has put herself in a position to get taken out!
If she were slightly forward more in between 2nd base and pitcher she would have easier clear path to receive throw.
Tag to the side.
And less chance of body damage.
______________________

*Like to~
Receive throw between 2nd base and pitcher.
Closest to 2nd base.
2nd base is the target for the catcher.

 

[Anthony Vertuccio]

thank you