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Defensive
Positioning
Some of the factors that influence how players
position themselves defensively include
- the inning,
- the score,
- the number of outs,
- the count on the batter,
- the field conditions,
- the batter’s strength,
- the pitcher’s strength,
- what pitch is coming,
- the position of the runners, and
- whether to expect a bunt.
Outfielders
Center fielders usually play closer to the plate
than the side fielders do, but all outfielders must
communicate with each other and the infielders
regarding their positions. For example, if the
center fielder is playing deep, she will tell the
middle infielders that they have more territory to
cover on balls hit in between the infield and the
outfield. The outfielders do not need to have the
same amount of space between each other, but they
will often shift together based on the batter’s
tendencies and the strength of the pitcher. Also,
outfielders need to check the wind direction and
make a one-step adjustment. They should have a
run-and-wait-for-the-ball mentality so that they do
not have to dive or fall back when fielding.
The batter’s ability will also determine an
outfielder’s location. Naturally, the outfielder
will play the number three, four, and five hitters
deeper than the rest of the lineup. For a
left-handed slapper, the left fielder is closest to
the plate, followed by the center fielder, with the
right fielder playing the deepest. The fielder
should be able to judge the spin of the pitch and
the bat speed and should already be gone by
the time the ball is hit. The fielder must read the
ball off the bat and take her first step to charge
toward the area where she anticipates the ball to
land or roll. This is considered getting a jump on
the ball. Typically, a left-handed batter will hit
with more power to right field, and a right-handed
batter will hit with more power to left field. In
these cases, the opposite fielder can play a little
shallower.
The outfielders should adjust to the count on the
batter by repositioning themselves according to the
count. When the pitcher is behind in the count, the
outfielders should take a step back and a step to
the pull side because the hitter will be geared up
to hit her pitch. When the pitcher is ahead in the
count, the out-fielders should take a step in
because the pitcher should be able to force the
hitter into making weak contact.
An outfielder must review the base runners on base
before each pitch. This information will allow her
to make the proper throw and to anticipate steals,
bunts, and pickoff plays.
The inning and the score can also dictate how deep
the outfielder must play. For example, in a close
ball game with a runner on third and less than two
outs, the outfielder must play a little shallower so
that she can throw out the runner at the plate on a
fly ball. Similarly, late in the game with a two-run
lead and a runner at second base, the outfielder can
position herself a little deeper, because her throw
will go to second base in the attempt to keep the
runner from reaching scoring position.
Infielders
The infielders also take similar considerations into
account when positioning themselves. For example,
the first baseman moves in toward the plate when the
infield is wet and soft, when a weak but fast hitter
is at bat, or in a bunt situation. The first baseman
moves back when a strong, left-handed pull hitter is
at bat, when there is a slow runner at the plate, or
when there are two strikes on the batter.
The second baseman adjusts her position depending on
the defensive situation as well. She is responsible
for all batted balls (including slaps) between first
and second base. The second baseman will also cover
first base on bunted balls, unless the first baseman
calls her off. The second baseman will cover second
base on force plays from the third baseman and
shortstop, and on balls hit to the right of the
pitcher. On all average or slow batters, the second
baseman should position herself five or six steps in
back of the baseline (to give her more range on a
hard-hit ball) and closer to second than to first
base (so that more balls can be fielded on her
forehand side than on her backhand side). If the
batter is a fast right-hander, the fielder should
take two steps in and two steps toward first base.
If the batter is a fast left-hander, the fielder
should be positioned in the base path and an equal
distance from first and second. With a slow
left-handed batter, the second baseman plays the
standard five or six steps behind the baseline and
an equal distance between the bases. With less than
two outs and a runner on third, the second baseman
moves into the base path.
One of the most challenging plays for the second
baseman is the play with runners on first and third
base. If the offense attempts to steal, the defense
must prevent the run from scoring, and if possible,
prevent the runner on first from getting into
scoring position. In this situation, I will bring
the second baseman into the cutoff position for the
throw from the catcher to second base. That position
is halfway between the mound and second and slightly
off the line to enable the shortstop, who is
covering second, to see the catcher and the ball. I
instruct the second baseman to catch the ball if (1)
the runner on third breaks for the plate or takes a
big lead and can be picked off or (2) the throw is
off target. With practice, an experienced second
baseman can make these decisions herself. However, I
will sometimes call the play in advance to take the
decision-making factor out of her hands.
Like the first baseman, the third baseman moves in
toward the plate when the infield is wet and soft,
when a weak but fast hitter is at bat, when a
strong, left-handed pull hitter is at bat, or in a
bunt situation. The third baseman moves back when a
strong, right-handed pull hitter or a slow runner is
at bat, when there will be a pitchout or pickoff
attempt on a runner at third base, or when there are
two strikes on the batter. She will protect the line
in late innings to prevent extra-base hits.
The shortstop’s normal position is two or three
steps behind the baseline and an equal distance
between bases. With a very fast runner at the plate,
she will move toward the base path. This position
decreases her range but allows her to reach the ball
faster and shortens the throw to first base. The
shortstop will play deeper on power hitters as well
as on slow runners, and she plays closer to second
when her third baseman can move well to her left.
With less than two outs and a runner on third, the
shortstop should move to just in front of the base
path. She will adjust toward third base on an inside
pitch as well as on a change-up. It is her
responsibility to verbally alert the third baseman
that a slow pitch is coming.
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