Physical Literacy on the Move was written to help educators of children and youths from grades K through 12 teach high-quality and fun games and activities that support the unique needs of their learners as they develop physical literacy. Click here to proceed to the HK Canada website. While the runner will likely be safe, we want to prevent them from advancing to second base. When the ball is hit to a spot where the Catcher is going to field the ball, the Pitcher moves towards the ball. By adhearing to the rule: Ball, Base, Back-up and running the kids the drills, a coach will grasp the system. Then, to lessen your frustrations during a game, walk through various situations and discuss how defenders should move to provide coverage for a hit. When it is recognized that another player will field the Ball. Point out to players that it only takes a second to cover the base. LFLeft fielder fields the ball in the most secure way possible, preferably the same way an infielder would. 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. Now there is a better chance they will remain in motion, leading them to fulfilling their responsibility for that situation.Cover Third Base. ***we know the runner is going to the side of the base facing the previous base. In this cicumstance, another player (Shortstop or Pitcher) will cover third base. This defender should continue moving to the ball unless the first-base defender yells that she has it (meaning that the first-base defender will field the ball). Stop them when they pick-up the ball! When the ball is near the pitching rubber, the player with the ball is an equal, and significant, threat to all base runners. I am going to GO GET the ball - React towards the ball. Former Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon was drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks with the fifth overall pick in the draft. In most cases they are doing this while running back to their positions. Proper positioning is in line with the direction the ball would be thrown to the base Ball------------> Base ------> Player Backing up. As the players develop the Ball, Base, Back-up concept, the First Baseman can be confident that another player will cover first base. The second-base defender moves to the ball with the intention of fielding it. This habit keeps them busy between batters, reducing the opportunities for a player in the field to get distracted. 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). Howden is headed to New Orleans after the Saints used the 146th-overall . The 2nd baseman needs to be trained to look for the 2nd play of the runner rounding 2nd base or trying for 3rd. This action of the coach represents a ground ball. 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. Written by Cindy Bristow with over 35 years of softball coaching experience, Softball Strategies, Coverages, Signals & Charts gives you all the factors you should consider when deciding on your offensive strategy, from a hit and run to a squeeze play, it's all here in detail. There are times where the direction of the throw to second base is such that it can be a challenge for the Center Fielder to get into position to back up the throw. The second baseman covers first - when the first baseman in ranging to their right or coming in on a ground ball often the pitcher is also attempting to make a play on the ball, or is slow in getting off the rubber. The kids need to be taught how to execute an underhand toss and it needs to be practiced a lot. I prefer Ready simply because it is more descriptive.Hey! The Shortstop moves towards the ball, which takes them to the second base bag. Early on this can be difficult to train. --> The rule for the Pitcher is "Always move towards the ball". Miles . If you are new to this level, you will soon find out how important it is to have every throw to a base to have player backing-up. 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. The outfielder that has the ball hit in front of them, either the Left Fielder or Right Fielder sprints straight towards the ball, and doesnt slow down until they see the ball cleanly fielded by an infielder. Maybe read those through twice. We need to practice this often. 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. The player primarily responsible for recognizing the runners have stopped attempting to advance is the Catcher, who is the lead communicator for the defense, since that is the one position that can see the entire field at all times. She begins with bunt and slap defense, moves on to . Most coaching books start with a discussion of the importance of creating a coaching philosophy and follow up with a section on creating goals. The section directly above addresses the actions of the Middle Infielders on a ball hit to centerfield, the Pitcher, or Catcher. When working with kids we want to structure our talk to be as literal as possible. Using proper Underhand Toss technique, the player fielding the ball throws the ball to the base. Adjusting infielders a few feet to their left or right based on the tendency of a batter to pull the ball or hit the ball to the opposite field. Explain to them that The runner is safe a lot. If the ball is hit to right field, the First Baseman aggressively sprints to the right-field-side of first base in case there is a possibility to receive a throw for a force out. Early on, most players, especially those age 10 and younger, will stand only a couple feet behind the base when backing up. It is not info for a coach to memorize. Former Gophers defensive backs Jordan Howden and Terell Smith were selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. They will be motivated to learn their responsibilities for throwing. Pickoff attempts require a specific defender to cover the base to try to catch the runner off base. If they identify the need to make a throw, because they are so much closer to the center of the diamond, the distance of that throw is greatly reduced. Observing play during the weeks of the regular season provide a good education for even beginning and novice coaches. Middle Infielders: 25-30 from second base, and a couple steps behind the baseline. They have to move some distance to cover a base or back-up a base; they learn that Baseball/Softball requires every player in the field to move when the ball comes off the bat, they have to move some distance, and have to move fast. (Note in the diagrams where the backing up players end up.). The rule for infielders is Play the Ball, or Cover a Base. (NOTE: at the 12u level we do not teach players to straddle the base. We want the Catcher running the game. An experienced and consciencious umpire should be receptive to this practice. Coach rolls a ball to one of the four infielders. Our objective is to get the ball into the hands of the Pitcher at the middle of the infield. In this case, the First Baseman progresses to the Back-up responsibilityall players follow the same progression of the Rule: 1) Ball, 2) Base, 3) Back-up. 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 odds of making a throw, in this situation, and recording an out, are slim. The most common (and most recognizable) out in the game is a force out at first base. Early in the teaching process our objective is to train our players to correctly respond to where the ball is hit off the bat. The players are so much closer together on the small diamond. (see: getting the ball in to the Pitcher), Underhand Toss ball is fielded 25 from its target, or closer. Training the second baseman to cover the bag when not fielding the ball is important in youth baseball and softball. The pitcher is the cut-relay to home on All balls hit to the outfield - reasons: Often the pitcher is the best athlete on the field; we want them handling the ball as much as possible. We have the Shortstop or Second Baseman move towards the ball and run to the oufield to get the ball back to the infield. Pitcher, in the middle of the diamond, where the pitching rubber would be (marked by a cone) facing towards home plate and the coach, The coach runs/jogs out to one of the four infield positions. A few examples of the differences between the two games: The pitcher breaks for third base on balls hit to the left side of the infield - at this level we have runners on first and second a lot. Soon they will be making quick and sound decisions for making throws. While making that initial movement, it becomes clear the third baseman is not going to get the Ball. All you need is to drag and drop objects to depict another play and then save with the different name. Barely anything is going to happen while they are looking away from the ball. The 2nd baseman has the responsibility to cover 1st base and receive the throw. HINT: tell the player they can Watch the Play from the Base. Note that we have the younger kids positioned further from the bases. For all other locations, click here to continue to the HK US website. Over time, players will learn to recognize this situation. It is perfectly acceptable to carry the ball. Cover 3B: open until the bunt is thrown then the 3B, pitcher or even the catcher in an emergency. This is important because the kids are standing close together. In most cases this occurs multiple times. Center Fielder: 30 beyond the second base bag. This section of the website illustrates how to teach the small diamond game to kids using a logical step-by-step, building-block approach. They believe that the ball is only moved by making a throw. Mishandling the ball while getting it back to the middle of the infield and in the the pitchers hands not only costs the defense by allowing runners to advance further than they had planned to; it also delays the game and extends the length of the game. Instruct the pitcher to run BEHIND the base runner. Proper positioning is a few inches in front of home plate. Ball, Base, Back-up always applies. If there are other runners attempting to advance to another base our player is ready to respond. Discover everything you need to know about Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (Vilniaus Gynybines Sienos Basteja), Vilnius including history, facts, how to get there and the best time to visit. 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. On the side of the base the ball is coming from, NOT On the front side of the base (side the base runner is running towards), Squared up and facing the ball, in a Ready Position, Keep their eyes on the ball and not the runner (once a teammate has fielded the ball). 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. 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. --> The rule for the CF and RF is that because they are not playing the ball they are backing up a base. This means that each player on the field takes an aggressive step towards the ball as it comes off the bat. 2. This final section is probably more than what is needed for kids 9 and under. The second base defender and shortstop should be about half way between the bases and just behind the base path. 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) 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. During any of these situations, the shortstop runs toward the ball as well. Ball tossed to a teammate after carrying/running with the ball, many kids are unaware of, or do not think about, the Underhand Toss option. 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. The assumption of the outfielder, each time the ball is put into play in the infield, is that it will not be fielded and the outfielder will be getting the ball. The outfielder (LF or RF) that has the ball hit on their side of the field, initially, does not have a Backing-up respsonsibility. We also train our pitchers that, when they field a ball that takes them to the third base side of the rubber to feed the third baseman for a 1-5 put out. The reality is, like a lot of things in this game, mistakes will be made (multiple times). Please visit our new UK website to purchase Human Kinetics printed or eBooks. (At higher levels of play the common phrase is Look for the next play. Roster. Softball Defensive Coverage The drill has the corner outfielders only backing up first or third. Back-up - Instruct the Third Baseman to aggressively go after balls hit between them and the Shortstop or between them and the Pitcher. In this DVD, Coach Gasso explores the aggressive defensive mindset, strategies, and drills that have helped her Oklahoma Sooners win two NCAA National Championships. This coverage will be up to one defensive back to make any adjustments needed against a good passing attack and support any players who lose in their man-to-man coverage. The truth is that defensive signals can be just as useful regardless of the level that your team is competing at. If the ball is hit past the outfielders, the infielder who ran out to the oufield serves as the first player in a double-realy to home: outfielder throws to the infielder, who throws to the Pitcher, who then realys the ball home. The CF will need to cover 2nd. 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. We point out that some throws to second base are going almost directly towards the Left or Right Field positions. That's what happened with the Ohio State softball team on Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series vs. Purdue at Buckeye Field. Teach them that in order to catch off-line throws, they are going to have to move away from the base (Move Feet to Catch). This means, once they recognize they are not responsible to get the ball, their responsibility becomes the base. We want to stick this concept with our players immediately at the start of practices. The ball goes to cf, the ss goes out to get the ball; the second baseman covers the base. Kids need to be trained constantly of this sequence of prioritization. The visual is the first baseman catching the ball with their foot on the base standing in a stretch position. Teaching Bunt Defense Many coaches make bunt defense too difcult and confusing by having ten different plays and having an intricate naming system. How Much Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity Is Enough. balls requiring the fielder to move quickly from their starting spot. They need to be sure to go behind the base runner when crossing the base line. NOTE: In this section we are addressing most of the situations that could come up during game play. We coaches are not going to have players this age playing the game perfectly. Those coaches will gain a decent sense for adjusting defensive positioning. MOORHEAD, Minn. - The Carleton College softball team kicked off the final week of the regular season with a doubleheader sweep at Concordia College-Moorhead. Corner Infielders: 12-15 from the base. Place a an object (ball bucket, etc.) We teach our players: Cover the base with your eyes. The same goes for the coach. We attach this phrase to the end of any drill or activity that involves making a play at a base or on a runner. While the Catcher is moving back behind home plate to set up to receive the next pitch, this is the time for the coachng staff to adjust the positioning of any player in the field, if needed. What is left out of this statement is the eight other players. Backup 2nd base: Center field/Left field. Not until they see the ball is caught by the fielder in front of them does their responsibility change to moving to back up a throw. A body in motion stays in motion. We need for them to physically move to the correct distance beyond the base. It may be more dramatic as running 30'-40' to reestablish the straight line relationship from the ball to the base to them in their backing up of a base. Benefits of Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science, Measurement and statistics in exercise science, Learn more about physical activity epidemiology, Gender and athletic administration and coaching, Carrying Out the Physically Active School Environment, Quarterback Challenges in Canadian Football, Introduction to Physical Literacy on the Move, Improve shoulder internal rotation range of motion for throwing athletes. Ball or Base - If the Third Baseman is not playing the Ball, their responsibility is to cover the Base. If the base runners are not attempting to advance, we do not want to risk making a throw. Center fielder: shortstop goes into the outfield towards the ball; the second baseman covers the base. Their first responsibility is to go for the ball, which means sprinting in behind the infielder attempting to field the ball. 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. In this case, the second-base defender continues on to first base and covers the base (see figure 7.3). As a parent, what would you do if you heard this? In this circumstance, the corner outfielders will back up the base by playing a carom off the fence. The mindset of the LF/RF: when THE ball is hit on your side of the infield, YOU will be fielding the ball. When the Catcher comes back in the dugout, we now have an opportunity to teach. It is constructed using cones, throw down bases, ball caps, extra shirts that are laying around, a leaf, anything. Given these two points, each game has many situations where a throw of 20' or less is in order. Infield Base Coverage Responsibilities - Explained. 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). Getting an out, any out is a big deal. Theright fielder should take an angle to about 20 - 30 feet behind 1st base and near the foul line to cut off any errant throws. Because players, especially outfielders, early in the season, are unsure of where to throw, they will be running with the ball quite a bit. Each infielder has only two possible responsibilities: 1. We mandate to our player to ignore any baiting by runners dancing back and forth a few feet from the 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. Outfielders and Pitcher develop awareness of, and habit of, executing their responsibility of backing up bases. RULES: P Always moves towards the ball | Ball. Creating this habit in our players takes effort and energy on our part; it is worth our effort. Note: These diagrams are old and will be replaced at some point. Players at each outfield position, approximately 30 beyond the infield diamond (mark those spots with cones). The defense will make further adjustments once they see the offense line up. Stand on the field/pitching rubber side of the plate facing the ball. This is why the pitching rubber is the destination for a player who is not sure of what to do with the ball. In many instances the Third Baseman figures, since nothing is immediately happening at third base, there is no urgency to cover the base. These diagrams are provided less as a suggestion to run a drill with all nine players and more as a visual that a coach can use as a learning tool in preparation for teaching their players. Your best bunt coverage is to have your 1st and 3rd baseman crashing when they see the hands drop to bunt position, with 2nd base covering 1st and your SS covering 3 if there are any runners on base. Important note:when using a throw to move the ball into position to stop the runners, point #1 comes back into play. Simple as this may seem, this is what the game is about. First action is always Towards the Ball. 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. After a couple of days of running the drill we want to expand the teaching of the backing up situation. Players are able to get many reps in a short period of time on the Mini Diamond. This is the mindset of all nine players on the field as the ball is put into play. Softball defensive signals are a tool that many teams are not familiar with or that teams think are too advanced to take advantage of. Solution: constant reminding that baseball is a printing game. It is not uncommon in the youth game to see both the Shortstop and Second Baseman covering second base together. Use of the Mini Diamond is referenced throughout the Coaching Guide. Back-up throws to a base or to an infielder, Play the Ball - the Cut-Relay Player, on throws to home plate. When a ball is hit to the right side of the infield, the RF goes to get the ball. (A catchers most valuable tool is their voice.). 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. The softball first base positioning is important and will almost always determine the success of any play around the base. 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. Once the ball is fielded and moved to another point on the field, the responsibilities of some players change, while most have to reposition themselves in relationship to the ball's new location on the field. If the throw is off target, quickly move laterally, from the Ready Position, as fars as required to catch/stop the ball. The odds of making a throw that gets past the player covering the base are pretty high. Double plays are rarely turned. This problem is eliminated by teaching the kids that the three players in the middle of the field, the Pitcher, Shortstop and Second Baseman always move towards the ball. This article will discuss the standard scheme that works best for your base defense. That's because Allison Smith not only pitched a gem but did . Back-up - Occasionally, when the First Baseman is aggressively going for the Ball, the play will evolve with the Pitcher and Second Baseman fulfilling the Ball and Base responsibilities. They will also come to recognize that running with the ball is sometimes the smarter option. This has been taught for many generations and is well intended .primarily for a Third Baseman being positioned to catch a rocket ground ball, hit straigh at them. We also want to keep in mind that a player we identify has having solid physical skills for the position may not also have the vocal strength and/or personality to be so vocal. There are four infielders, the game is played with one ball and there are three bases. Figure on it taking 4-5 practices of constant badgering until they Get it. Before our kids are ready to learn their roll, they first must clearly understand that the foundation of their play is the need for them to move from their spot on the field when the ball is pitched to another spot on the field. Corner Outfielders: Midway between the Corner Base and Second Base, 60 beyond the back edge of the infield. This reduction in distance greatly increases the chances of executing a successful throw and catch play. . The old saying in baseball is, Billy Bob, know what you are going to do with the ball if it is hit to you. Kids take their cues from watching higher levels of baseball and softball. Once out kids learn and follow the teaching in this section we eliminate many of the unforced errors that are common in the game played on the small diamond. If the base is covered, run beyond the base to Back-up a throw to the base. But in 2022, the 22-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, exploded.