Throws to the plate

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Nov 18, 2015
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What’s the best way to field the one or two hoppers at the plate? “Go get” the short hop, which means a slower tag, but possibly a higher chance of actually catching the ball; or wait for it (IF the throw is online) and catch it as close to the plate as possible?


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May 20, 2016
433
63
Have to wait. Once you go get it you're out of position and it's probably more likely the ball will be moving faster than a person will move.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Just like at second base on throw downs you can't go out and reach for the ball then bring it back into position faster than just waiting for the ball to come to you (SS and 2B reaching out in front of the bag when a throw is inline for the tag is a huge pet peeve...probably because DD spent some time as a catcher)...now as you said this is assuming the throw is inline with where you need to place a tag.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Good question and obviously subject to where ball is going to bounce and how far runner is from the plate.

A throw that is an
in-betweener bounce...
Not 5 feet out front
Not a close short hop.
Sometimes is best to take that step or half step forward to play the ball better.
The play at the plate will still be in stretch of a tag or dive tag distance.
Sometimes waiting for the outcome of a bounce means the BALL is playing you...
Not YOU playing the ball.

Stepping one stride
(or half step) and Cutting off a short hop is often better than being hand-cuffed by a bad bounce out front.
Sometimes this is also neccessary on a throw that is slighty off target.

*Again subject to the play.
Also
With a runner incomming catcher may need to cut throw off befor it goes into the base path of runner to avoid obstruction.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Fly ball to right field. One out.
Snagged short hop.
Double play.
Lets go hit!
Against Arizona.
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20200902_120150-1.jpg20200902_120203-1.jpg
 
Jun 26, 2020
204
28
Well you have a lot of hops. Short, short in between, long in between, and long. Each one has a give and go. I you're committed in front of the plate you can find yourself in a jam. Each throw will have to be player uniquely
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
A lot depends on the situation. If it's a tag up from 3rd with no other runners there is no negative to missing it (outside of no out). If the bases are loaded in the same situation if you miss it it's likely an extra run or 2 if you miss it.
 

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