We need to practice this often. --> The rule for the RIGHT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. Playing the fence - If the ball is hit towards the fence. We point out that some throws to second base are going almost directly towards the Left or Right Field positions. Are you in Canada? The first and third base defenders should be approximately 3 feet (9 m) in front of their base and 3 feet from the foul line. The defenses below are standard bunt defenses, nothing revolutionary. This action of the coach represents a ground ball. Creating this habit in our players takes effort and energy on our part; it is worth our effort. National physical activity guidelines in Canada recommend 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity daily activity for teens to gain health benefits. Some attempts to play the ball will take the Third Baseman (and their momentum) far from the base. Proper positioning is in line with the direction the ball would be thrown to the base Ball------------> Base ------> Player Backing up. ***we know the runner is going to the side of the base facing the previous base. With each step, the base runners are less and less likely to attempt to advance. If the throw is a bit to one side of the base or the other, they slide their foot near the corner of the base on the side the ball is headed, then stretch with their glove foot towards the ball. Solution: constant correcting until they get it right (effort and persistence on part of the coach, and the recognition that the concept its not as obvious to a kid as to an adult). [More importantly, this baiting game wastes time and takes away from the other players (also parents and coaches) waiting for the game to continue. GO GET implies motion. She said, 'Peyton's not going to be an athlete. If you are looking to purchase an eBook, online video, or online courses please press continue. In most cases, there is not enough room behind home plate for the pitcher to get enough depth to properly back-up an over throw. Learning and execution is simplified when the pitcher is the cut-relay player on all plays to the plate. Also, there are many more base runners, setting up a lot of force outs. After repeated exposure to a given situation, a player will begin to better anticipate what will happen. * The Catcher is the only player that can see all the action on the field. When backing up throws to first base, we teach the players to cross the first base line behind the Base Runner (to avoid a collision and potential injury). If a play needs to be made at second base or first base, the play for the Third Baseman, with their momentum going to their left, is easier than for the Shortstop or the Pitcher. Human Kinetics print books and eBooks are now distributed by Mare Nostrum, throughout the UK, Europe, Africa and Middle East, delivered to you from their warehouse. NOTE: The rule of thumb, when the ball is hit to the center fielder, Pitcher or catcher, is the shortstop is positioned to handle the ball. They can't move to the correct coverage position if they don't start in the correct place. These two players, positioned in the middle of the field, follow this simple rule: If the ball is hit to your Left and you arent fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Left; If the ball is hit to your Right and you arent fielding the ball, SPRINT to the base on your Right. Set-up: Mini-diamond, 20'-25' square. It will take ongoing emphasis by the coaching staff to instill this habit. FIRST - Take a day or two to consume and digest: Foundations, The Base, and the first block of topics in Coordinated Team Defense (Part 1). Older player (ages 10-12) often have vocal muscles developed enough for the outfield to hear them. You can get them individually by clicking the links below, or you can get them ALL as a member of our . Prior to the pitch being throws or when preparng to receive a throw, we want our kids to be Ready to move quickly, be it laterally, forward or back. One of the most valuable tools a coach can use is the Mini Diamond. The first point to teach, in training our players on defense, is they react to the ball coming off the bat byMoving towards the ball. Practice Plans, Drills, Batting Practice Plans. The Defensive Responsibilities section of the website lays out a step-by-step system for teaching kids how to fulfill their roll as a member of a nine player unit, regardless of the situation or where the ball is hit on the field. They need to be sure to go behind the base runner when crossing the base line. While moving out to a given position, the coach hollers, Ground ball to [position]!, Which ever side of the field the ball is going to, the LF/RF sprints straight towards the ball, stopping only when they come within a few feet of the coach. While that player is heading toward the pitching rubber, they are assessing the the situation on the field. The information below is a reference guide. The teaching phrase Look for Other Runners is literal. Some of us played on the larger diamond and possibly have coached in that environment. The Pitcher is always the Cut-Relay player on plays to home plate. A body in motion stays in motion. Movement is critical. Objective: All bases are covered on each play. When kids cover a base, more often than not they put a foot on the base. We train our players to 'run the ball in'. We also want to establish a sense of urgency to get the ball to the middle of the infield as quickly as possible - every play. Ball or Base - If the Third Baseman is not playing the Ball, their responsibility is to cover the Base. On a ball hit to right field, the Second Baseman runs towards the ball, into the outfield, to get in position to take the ball from the Right Fielder and run the ball back into the infield, or to serve as the lead cut-player on a ball that gets past the Right Fielder. There will be times however, when another player can get to the area around the pitching rubber easier, and quicker, than the pitcher. Center fielder: shortstop goes into the outfield towards the ball; the second baseman covers the base. The left fielder is positioned in the outfield on the left side of the field, closest to third base. When the Catcher comes back in the dugout, we now have an opportunity to teach. We verbalize this phraseto our kids repeatedly throughout the teaching process. A stance we do not want to see with our fielders is hands hanging close to the ground near ankle level. HINT: tell the player they can Watch the Play from the Base. In this DVD, Coach Gasso explores the aggressive defensive mindset, strategies, and drills that have helped her Oklahoma Sooners win two NCAA National Championships. She's not going to run. Usually its the corner base; sometimes they are needed to back up throws to second base. We want them 20-25' beyond the base. We dont criticize the Catcher when they make the wrong call. This is the best body position for an athlete who needs to react and move quickly in any direction. 16x Big 12 Champions; Over 1,100 career victories. The same goes for the coach. *when running the drill on the first base side of the field. If you dont field the ball, cover a Base ("Ball or Base"), If the base is covered, run beyond the base to Back-up a throw to the base*, * Many kids' idea of backing up a base is to stand five feet behind the base. As a parent, what would you do if you heard this? As long as the bases are covered by a teammate, it is ok for a position player to carry the ball to the middle of the infield until the pitcher arrives and can be handed the ball. 1. Looking at the runner delays the application of the tag, AND may cause the fielder to take their eyes off the ball and miss the throw. Any drill in which the focus of the teaching is something other than working on full on overhand throwing technique can be run on a Mini Diamond. --> The rule for the Pitcher is "Always move towards the ball". The free safety usually dictates the defensive coverage adjustments. However, the shortstop will hit second base before getting to the ball, so she needs to stop at second and take responsibility for that base. The three players in the middle of the field: pitcher, shortstop, second baseman -Always Move Towards the Ball". RULE: I am going to Go Get the ball, The pitcher sprints towards, and past, the corner base* on the side of the infield the coach/ground ball is going. You can complete this set modifying any sample. The 1st Rule for Defensive responsibilities is I am going to go get the ball. When you dig into the final section, End of the Play | Transition to the Next Batter, your club is reaching a point of taking full control of the game. To begin with, make sure your defenders know where their basic setup position should be on the field (see figure 7.2) when they're preparing for a hit. Balls hit to the 3B/SS side of the infield are the responsibility of the Left Fielder. We need to constantly preach, Ball First, Base Second. Then they holler (loud enough to be heard in the outfield) the number of OUTS and the location of the RUNNERS. We attach this phrase to the end of any drill or activity that involves making a play at a base or on a runner. When they are not chasing down balls in the outfield, they should be sprinting in to back up throws to bases they develop this habit through drill work, not by us simply telling them. The catcher calls out which base to throw the ball to. Once you have your players training in how to call Time, talk to the umpires before each game and alert them of what your players will be doing. (At higher levels of play the common phrase is Look for the next play. This more compact environment enable coaches to better communicate and teach. Place a an object (ball bucket, etc.) Base, Back up (it is assumed for the purpose of the drill, that the corner base is covered). Let's look at how things like your Attention Span and your Courage, and how each can greatly impact your defensive coverage. Positioning for play involving 10-12 year olds. Defending the offence effectively is critical to the success of your own offence. When the defense limits the runners attempts to advance, they reduce the number of throws they have to make, and therefore reduce the number of chances to make a mistake at this level, the players are good at making mistakes :). The infielders then echo this information to the outfielders (if needed). Ball, Base, Back-up always applies. The traditional way to cover second base on a steal is to have your shortstop take the throw at second from the catcher. The players, especially outfielders, will learn they can run the ball in and deliver the ball to a teammate by handing it to them or flipping it a short distance, underhand. before cruising to a 13-3 (5 inn.) LFLeft fielder fields the ball in the most secure way possible, preferably the same way an infielder would. The positioning of kids at the lower levels is such, so they learn: The bases belong to the runners; fielders spread out between the bases because their #1 priority is to get the ball. It is likely that while they are on the move, they will figure out where to throw the ball, if needed. Person covering base needs to communicate to cut-off as the ball is in the air about halfway from person throwing and the cut-off. NOTE: This does not mean the Center Fielder is not attempting to back up on these throws. Our objective is to get the ball into the hands of the Pitcher at the middle of the infield. Three Individual Responsibilities - Ball, Base, Back-up Positioning Ready Position The Base Base is for the Runner, Ball is for the Defense Positioning at a Base to Receive a Throw Ball First, Base Second The Ball is the Key to the Base Cover the Base With Your Eyes Look for Other Runners Coordinated Team Defense - The System (Part 1) These two athletes have their feet wider than their hips, knees are bent, hands and elbows are in front of the body with hands wpread a bit wider than the torso. This drill provides many repetitions of players fielding a bunt and throwing to a specific base. From this point forward, we are filling in the gaps of the above teaching. The first movement of all three outfielders is towards the ball. When it is recognized that another player will field the Ball. NOTE: in the instance of a ball being hit to the catcher or pitcher, the shortstop and second baseman are still moving towards the ball which has been hit in the space between the two positions. At the 12u level of play they are needed to cover both a corner base and second base, depending on the circumstances of a given play. We want to establish in the minds of our players that once the runners have stopped trying to advance, we want to get the ball to the middle of the infield as fast as possible. Corner Infielders: 15 from the base, and a step behind, or a step in front of the baseline. [The movement responsibilities of the Pitcher are covered below.]. Point out that the fence line on most fields is only 10-15 behind first and third base. Often at the youth level of baseball and softball, kids are so consumed by the play they just made that they forget that there might another runner trying to get to the next base. NOTE: In this section we are addressing most of the situations that could come up during game play. All four players sprint until they are in position to fulfill their responsibility. The pitcher starts on the rubber and the catcher starts behind home plate. The CF will need to cover 2nd. The Pitcher moves towards the ball and covers first base (or backs-up first base). There are three situations (also covered in greater detail later in this section) where the shortstop and second basemans response to this rule is modified slightly; when the ball is hit to the catcher, pitcher or center fielder: Catcher or Pitcher: shortstop covers second base; the second baseman backs up second base. Softball Oklahoma remains No. There are two ways to transport the ball around the field: Most kids only consider the first option. A common mistake made by youth teams is mishandling the ball while getting it back to the middle of the infield after a play has ended. The most common (and most recognizable) out in the game is a force out at first base. Following that initial movement, the Pitcher adjusts their positioning to back-up a throw to second base, to set-up as the cut-relay player to home, if the situation dictates, or to break to back up third base if the outfielder indicates, through their actions, they are going to throw to third base. The Shortstop moves towards the ball, which takes them to the second base bag. In this situation the Third Baseman sprints towards the spot they are needed to Back-up a throw to the base. In this case, the second-base defender continues on to first base and covers the base (see figure 7.3). In this example we have a ball hit to the Second Baseman. ], Once the Pitcher has control of the ball, is a few feet from the pitching rubber, and the runners are not attempting to advance to the next base, we want our Pitcher to raise their arms and holler in a loud voice in the direction of an umpire, TIME Please!. We breakdown the m Antonelli Softball SOFTBALL INFIELD INSTRUCTION, DRILLS, AND. Options are then limited to: Carry the ball to its destination (run with the ball), Hand it to a teammate (who they have run to), Make a short underhand toss to a teammate (after running towards them to a point they are close enough to make a short, safe toss). Defensive Coverage For Pickoffs By: Coach McCreary Originally Published in: Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills - Human Kinetics Now let's look at a few coverage options for running the pickoff at different bases. As Patty Gasso says and many coaches would agree, defense wins championships. During the year, this drill fits very well into our daily Skill Building Warm-up aspect of practice. Folks watching that team will clearly recognize they are watching a quality of play at the 12u level that is unlike anything they have seen before. A coach with limitd experience or understanding of modifying the positioning of players, need not worry. Double plays are rarely turned. We have the Shortstop or Second Baseman move towards the ball and run to the oufield to get the ball back to the infield. In this strategy, the players pretend that the ball is a gigantic magnet and that they are all pieces of metal that are attracted to it. The right fielder plays at a similar depth and should be between the second base and first base defenders. At the youth level of play, no defense is truly out of the woods until the ball arrives at the middle of the infield and is securely in the hands of the pitcher. The FS looks at the offensive alignment and. On a ball hit to the First Baseman, the Second Baseman runs towards the ball and covers first base (or backs-up first base). This is an effective analogy, especially for younger players. A team of 11-12 year olds, who master this content, will cut 2-3 runs off the scoreboard, in most games, compared to a team that is not trained in this system. As the season progresses we want to teach our players that their our positioning on the field in relationship to the bases and the ball changes each time the ball moves. Until they arrive at the base where they are needed, it is their only focus. Coaches that train the kids to back up bases properly will see a vast improvement in team defensive play. Then, if they see the ball is not coming to their area of the field, they go to their second responsibility of Backing-up a base. The good news is, we can give the kids the reps they need in as little as 5-10 minutes every second or third practice. A fun statement to drive home the need for them to cover the base while acknowledging their desire to see what is going on with the ball is, Cover your base and watch the game from there. The first-base defender can then return to first base and get ready to receive the throw. There is one ball that needs to be fielded, and three bases needing to be backed up. to avoid collisions during games/scrimmage. More kids get to batt and there is more action in the early part of the season when many games get called early because of darkness. The bunt play, the first out, coverage of first base on a hit or pickoff and the cut play are all key factors in the success of the defense. The players are not as strong, they do not move as fast, and there is the obvious fact that the bases and players are not spread out as much. With only 3 downs to make 10 yards, the quarterback really has to be a playmaker. Before the base has any useful function for a player on defense, they need to have the ball. (A catchers most valuable tool is their voice.). Playing quarterback in Canadian football definitely has its challenges. These adjustments are more important for All-Stars play and the Playoffs at the end of the season. Feet squred to the ball in a Ready Position. Center Fielder: 30 beyond the second base bag. This illustrates to the player where the ball will go if not caught at the base. (Note in the diagrams where the backing up players end up.). It would be difficult to go into too much detail here, but over time, and through experience playing and coaching the game, those exceptions to the rule will come up. She's not going to play soccer or gymnastics, but with some surgeries, she should be able to walk.'. When players take the learning and habits established on the Mini Diamond to the regular sized field, their work can focus primarily on throwing, catching and timing. Over throws are a big part of the game at this level. Each step closer to the middle of the diamond, the player with the ball becomes a greater threat to the base runners. The existence of these factors results in some fundamental rules of how team defense is played on the large diamond to be executed differently on the small diamond. Whenever the ball is hit to one of these three players (catcher, pitcher, center fielder) the shortstop is the player in position to potentially handle the ball. Adjust a couple feet to their right or left so to have a clear line of sight to the batter. Stop the ball - this begins by establishing in the minds of our players (and constantly reinforcing) that they want to go get the ball and get it as quickly as possible. This is the mindset of all nine players on the field as the ball is put into play. All you need is to drag and drop objects to depict another play and then save with the different name. The underhand toss is used a lot more often. Another common term used is Athletic position, which is perfectly fine. The ball goes to cf, the ss goes out to get the ball; the second baseman covers the base. Getting our players in position to properly back up throws, requires repeated drilling to engrain it as habit. The Game Played on the Smaller Diamond is Different, Three Individual Responsibilities - Ball, Base, Back-up, Base is for the Runner, Ball is for the Defense, Getting the Ball in to The Pitcher (Middle of the Infield), Get the Ball to the Middle of the Infield, Middle Infielders Movement On Ball Hit To The Outfield, SS, 2b Are Not the Relay on Plays to Home, Pitcher Responsibilities - Ball Hit to The Infield, Corner Infielders - Ball Hit to Their Side of the Infield, Cut-Relay Player, on throws to home plate. We can establish this habit during the Scrimmage (see Practice Structure) portion of practice. They want to throw the ball. When all bases are covered the drill repetition is over, Players return to their positions and the coach rolls the ball to a different player/position, After a few repetitions, put the players at different positions. Ball or Base - If First Baseman is not playing the Ball, they quickly move to cover the Base. Once the defense (most specifically the Catcher) sees the runners are not attempting to advance, our rule is our defensive players do not make overhand throws. Maybe read those through twice. This is important because the kids are standing close together. Soon they will be making quick and sound decisions for making throws. Logically kids come to believe that is the way to position themselves to take a throw at a base. They will be motivated to learn their responsibilities for throwing. Early on, most players, especially those age 10 and younger, will stand only a couple feet behind the base when backing up. Occasionally the ball will get loose and the Catcher fills the role of Backing-up. Most kids just dont grasp this concept. The LF & RF have two bases to back up. We want TWO players in position to catch every throw; the player at the base who we hope makes the catch, and a second player beyond the base to catch the ball, if it gets past the base. That fact, coupled with limited practice time we have at the youth level, results in kids not getting the reps needed learn the nuances of each position. Observing play during the weeks of the regular season provide a good education for even beginning and novice coaches. Players at each outfield position, approximately 30 beyond the infield diamond (mark those spots with cones). The kids need to be taught how to execute an underhand toss and it needs to be practiced a lot. In this case getting to the initial backing-up position is not a concern because the Pitcher is backing up third base. For all other locations, click here to continue to the HK US website. 4. 2. I am going to GO GET the ball - React towards the ball. A common mistake in youth baseball and softball is an outfielder throwing the ball to the Shortstop or Second Baseman to relay the ball to home plate. Eventually a player on the field should be making the call, preferably . The Catcher hollers loud, Eat it! (meaning to hold onto the ball). "I dont know, Mom, I just feel burned out." Infielders not fielding the ball move quickly to cover a base; turn and face the ball in a Ready Position. If they dont have the ball they are not allowed to access (touch) the base. Infield get the runner at 2nd if you can, if not take the sure out at 1st. Regardless of level of play or the situation, each player on defense has one of three responsibilities: handle the BALL, cover a BASE, or BACK-Up a throw. In many instances the Third Baseman figures, since nothing is immediately happening at third base, there is no urgency to cover the base. The same is true, in most instances, when the ball is hit to the center fielder. --> The rule for the LEFT FIELDER, because the ball is hit to an infielder in front of them, is to go for the ball. We are teaching our players to always anticipate that another play needs to be made. In this case the Pitcher does not field the ball so they continue running in a straight line towards third base. The Center Fielder, on every potential throw to second base, is sprinting to get into position to back up the base. Teach players to stand on the same side of the base as the balls location on the field. A Mini Diamond is 20-25' square, but can be modified larger or smaller depending on the activity. In most cases the Catcher doesnt have to move far from the plate to get the ball. It will be reiterated constantly throughout the season in most drills and activitiesbecause baseball/softball is a game of movement. HyperOps | 570 followers on LinkedIn. Softball Skills: Bunt Defense Drill. Coaching youth Baseball and Softball. This means that each player on the field takes an aggressive step towards the ball as it comes off the bat. And they won't get it the first or second time we will have to teach it over and over. Procedure: Use the bat to draw the lines in front of the catcher to designate the areas of responsibility for the corners and the catcher for a bunt. Basic softball defensive strategy and tactics is a look at the fundamental defensive components of the game. The second-base defender is now ready to receive the throw at first from the fielder (i.e., the first-base player). The coach puts the bunt down into the mapped areas and the appropriate defender takes the bunt and throws it to first base. The second base defender and shortstop should be about half way between the bases and just behind the base path. Figure on it taking 4-5 practices of constant badgering until they Get it. However, much of the content covered boils down to the players following one simple rule: Ball, Base, Back-up (see Three Individual Responsibilities - Ball, Base, Back-up, the third point below under Foundations). She begins with bunt and slap defense, moves on to . After a couple of days of running the drill we want to expand the teaching of the backing up situation. *Later in the season, after the players have demonstrated they clearly understand their movement responsibilities, the drill can be modified. Drill after drill, practice after practice, until they consistently execute this action themselves, we demonstrate by making an aggressive step and stating Go Get the ball. There are four players in the drill. The Left Fielder and Right Fielder, in most cases, back up the corner base on their side of the field. One example is a ball hit to the pitcher where the shortstop, thinking they may end up fielding the ball and moving aggressively to do so, is unable to cover second base. If the Catcher does have to move a greater distance to get a loose ball, it becomes the responsibility of the pitcher to cover home plate. Softball Defensive Ready Position Antonelli Softball 14.3K subscribers Subscribe 23K views 2 years ago SOFTBALL INFIELD INSTRUCTION, DRILLS, AND ADVICE Softball Defensive Ready Position. Positioning for play involving kids ages 9 and under. Grasping that info, and doing so from the perspective of a kid who will be learning it, is important before getting into the meat of this section. While the runner will likely be safe, we want to prevent them from advancing to second base. We have the Second Baseman and Shortstop at a point nearly midway between second base and the corner base. MOORHEAD, Minn. - The Carleton College softball team kicked off the final week of the regular season with a doubleheader sweep at Concordia College-Moorhead.