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POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES by Howell Hart
PITCHER: When the ball is hit between first base and the pitcher’s circle: 1. Try to catch the ball. 2. Cover first if you miss or can not get the ball.
When the ball is hit to the outfield: 1. Line up between home and the ball. 2. Line up behind the base the ball is being thrown to.
When the ball is bunted: 1. Get to the ball. 2. Cover third.
When the catcher misses the ball: 1. Cover home. 2. Cover home.
When the runner is on the base: 1. Check the runner after each pitch. 2. Get inside the circle.
When a coach tells you to appeal a call: 1. Call time out. 2. Say,”Mr. Umpire, I want to appeal that the runner did not touch (tell which base) or did not tag up at (tell which base).” The umpire will then tell you that the runner is out or safe.
When a fly ball (pop up) is hit: 1. Try to catch it. 2. If first calls it, go and cover first base. 3. If third calls it, go and cover third.
Before each pitch: 1. Look to see if your team is ready. 2. Look to see where all the runners are. 3. Work your basics.
CATCHER: Learn all the signals.
When the pitcher makes a wild pitch: 1. Try to block the ball by keeping your body in front of the ball. 2. Get down on your knees, legs together and let the ball hit you if that is what it takes for the ball not to get past you.
When a batter strikes out and the ball hits the ground before you catch it: 1. With no runners on base either tag the batter (preferred) or throw it to first base. 2. With a runner on first base and no outs or one out, throw the ball back to the pitcher or throw to second, if the runner on first tries to steal second, the batter is already out. If there are runners on first and second then throw to third if the runners tries to steal. 3. With two outs no matter if there are runners or not, tag the batter or throw to first. 4. With two outs and bases are loaded (runners on every base) step on home plate with the ball in your hand or glove.
When you throw the ball to anybody: 1. Get back to home plate and be ready for another play. 2. The base runners can keep running until the pitcher has the ball inside the 8 foot circle. 3. Never pick up your helmet and mask until you see all runners are finished running. 4. Always make sure the pitcher catches the ball no matter who throws it to her. Be ready to either back her up or be ready to cover home.
When runners are on base: 1. After you catch the ball, look to see if they are stealing. 2. If the runners are stealing, throw them out. 3. If they take a big lead off at first or third, throw them out. 4. Throw the ball back to the pitcher quickly. 5. Always make good easy throws to the pitcher.
When no runners are on the bases: 1. If the batter hits the ball, run down first base in foul territory near the fence so you can back up the first baseman. If you can not throw somebody out, do not throw the ball. 2. If possible stay at home plate when you do not have the ball.
FIRST BASE: When the ball is hit between first base and the pitcher’s circle: 1. Try to catch the ball and throw or run it to first base. 2. If you do not catch the ball, cover first.
When the ball is hit anywhere else: 1. Go to first base immediately and be ready for the throw.
When the batter tries to bunt: 1. Quickly move up towards home at least halfway. 2. Go to the ball when it is bunted. 3. Throw it to first base.
When the pitcher covers home on a ball that is not caught by the catcher: 1. Back up the pitcher in the direction the ball is being thrown from the catcher to the pitcher. 2. Be within 20 - 30 feet of home plate. 3. Be ready to throw the ball when you get it. There could be other runners on base. 4. Always know where the base runners are.
When the ball is hit to the outfield: 1. If there is no play at first and there will be a play at home plate, back up the catcher. 2. If you are backing up the catcher, right field will cover first if it is needed.
When a foul ball is hit, try to catch it. Go touch the fence first with your hand, then find the ball and move along the fence until you get to the ball.
Be ready to move to the ball quickly when it is hit.
When the ball is being thrown to first: 1. Get on your base. 2. Watch the ball being thrown. 3. Stretch out to the ball when you catch it. 4. Whatever hand your glove is on, the other foot goes on the base. 5. If you have to come off the base to catch the ball, do it. 6. If the ball bounces, try to catch it. 7. Do the splits if the ball is thrown too low. 8. Let the ball hit you if you can not catch it. 9. Be ready to throw to another base. 10. Always back up the pitcher when 3rd or shortstop throws the ball to her. 11. Back up throws from left field or left center field to 2nd base. 12. If the runner steps on the white base instead of the orange base before you catch the ball, then catch the ball and run and tag her then tell the umpire “I am appealing this runner stepped on the wrong base.” The umpire should have already called her out before you have to say the appeal, if not make the appeal.
SECOND BASE: Give change up signal to the outfield.
When the ball is hit between first and second: 1. Go to the ball. 2. Catch the ball. 3. Throw to first base.
When the ball is hit between first and pitcher: 1. Wait to see if the pitcher and first catch it. 2. If they miss it, you catch it. 3. If they catch it, you go to first base for the throw. 4. Whatever hand your glove is on, the opposite foot goes on the base.
When the ball is between second and third: 1. Go immediately to second base. 2. Stand behind the base (always have the base between you and the person who is throwing you the ball). 3. If it is a force out and the ball is being thrown to you, step on the base and catch the ball. 4. If it is a tag play, stay behind the base and catch the ball, block the base, then tag the runner.
When the ball is bunted: 1. Wait to see the direction the ball is bunted. 2. If bunted between the pitcher and 3rd, go to first base quickly and wait for the throw. 3. If bunted between the pitcher and first wait to see how hard it is bunted. If bunted easy, go to first base quickly and wait for the throw. If bunted hard, wait to see if the pitcher or first baseman catches it. If it is caught, go to first base quickly for the throw. If it is not caught, you catch it and throw it to first base.
When the ball is being thrown from the catcher to the pitcher: 1. Know where the base runners are. 2. Back up the pitcher by moving between second base and the pitching rubber. 3. If the pitcher misses the ball, you get it and be ready to throw it. 4. If runners try to steal, throw the ball to the base they are running to. 5. If nobody tries to steal or there are no runners, toss the ball to the pitcher carefully.
When the ball is hit to the outfield: 1. If hit between 1st and 2nd, run to the outfield as a cut off man and listen for shortstop to line you up. 2. If hit between 2nd and 3rd, go to second base and stand behind the base (always have the base between you and the person throwing you the ball). Line up the shortstop for the throw. 3. If you catch the ball, block the base, then tag the runner, if it is a force out, step on the base, or be ready to throw it. (Turn & Burn, cut 3rd, cut home).
When a fly ball (pop up) is hit between the fence on the first base side and second base: 1. Try to catch it. 2. If 1st baseman calls it and you do not call her off, back her up in case she drops it. 3. If you catch it, be ready to throw it. 4. Know where the runners are all the time. 5. Know what the runners can do.
SHORTSTOP: Give the change up signal to the outfield.
When the ball is hit between 2nd and 3rd: 1. Go to the ball. 2. Catch the ball. 3. Throw to the first baseman. 4. If 3rd baseman catches the ball go to third base.
When the ball is hit between 1st and 2nd: 1. Go to second base. 2. Stand behind the base (always have the base between you and the person throwing you the ball). 3. If it is a force out and the ball is being thrown to you, step on the base and catch the ball. 4. If it is a tag out, stay behind the base and catch the ball, block the base, then tag the runner.
When the ball is bunted: 1. Wait to see the direction the ball is bunted. 2. If bunted between the pitcher and 1st with nobody on the bases, or with a runner on 1st, go to second base, if there is a runner on 2nd, go to 3rd. 3. If bunted between the pitcher and 3rd, see if the pitcher or 3rd can handle it. If not, you catch the ball and throw it to 1st. If the pitcher or 3rd handles the bunt, you go to 3rd if there is a runner on 2nd. If there is not a runner on 2nd, then go to 2nd.
When the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher: 1. Go to second base. 2. If the pitcher misses the ball and 2nd baseman misses the ball, you get the ball and be ready to throw it. 3. If runners are on the base and are trying to steal, you throw them out. 4. If nobody tries to steal, toss the ball carefully to the pitcher. 5. By always going to 2nd, if the catcher tries to pick off a runner at 2nd, you are ready for the throw.
When the ball is hit to the outfield: 1. If hit between 1st and 2nd, go to 2nd base and line up the cut off man (always have the base between you and the person throwing you the ball). 2. If you catch the ball, block the base, then tag the runner if it is a force out, step on the base, or be ready to throw it (Turn & Burn, cut 3rd, cut home). 3. If hit between 2nd and 3rd, run to the outfield as a cut off man. Listen for the 2nd baseman to line you up.
When a fly ball (pop up) is hit between the fence on third base side and second base: 1. Try to catch the ball. 2. If 3rd calls it and you do not call her off then you back her up in case she drops it. 3. If you catch it, be ready to throw it. 4. Know where the runners are all the time. 5. Know what the runners can do.
THIRD BASE: When the ball is hit between the pitcher and first base: 1. Go to 3rd and be ready for the throw.
When the ball is hit between the pitcher and 3rd: 1. Catch the ball and throw it to 1st base. 2. If you do not catch the ball, go to your base.
When the batter tries to bunt: 1. Quickly move up towards home at least halfway. 2. Go to the ball when it is bunted. 3. Throw to 1st.
When the catcher misses the ball: 1. Go to 3rd. 2. Be ready for the throw from the catcher.
When the ball is hit to the outfield: 1. Go to 3rd and stand behind the base. (Always have the base between you and the person throwing you the ball). 2. Be ready for a throw. 3. If a tag play, block the base, then make a good tag. 4. If a force out, have a foot on the base when you catch the ball. 5. Whatever hand your glove is on, the opposite foot goes on the base. 6. Always back up the pitcher when 1st or 2nd throws the ball to them. 7. Anytime you do not have the ball, go to 3rd. 8. Back up throws from right field or right center field to 2nd base.
LEFT FIELD: When the batter hits the ball between second and third base: 1. Back up 3rd, short stop, and center field. 2. Never assume that somebody will catch the ball. 3. Run to the ball until it is caught.
On all ground balls: 1. Get in front of the ball. 2. Put your knee on the ground. 3. Block the ball; let it hit you if you have to. 4. Throw the ball to 2nd base (most of the time).
On all fly balls: 1. Get under the ball. 2. Catch the ball coming down at your nose. 3. Try to set up your throw (line up on your target). 4. Throw to 2nd (most of the time) as quickly as possible.
When the batter bunts the ball: 1. Cover 3rd if nobody is there. 2. If 3rd is covered, back up third on any throws to 3rd. 3. Move when the batter squares up to bunt.
When the catcher has the ball and there is a runner on base: 1. Back up 3rd in case the catcher throws to 3rd.
Back up 3rd: 1. When any throw from an infielder is thrown to 3rd. 2. Any time a runner steals 3rd. 3. Any time a runner takes a lead off 3rd. 4. Back up throws from right field to second base. ***COVER 3RD ANY TIME NOBODY IS THERE***
General: 1. Go for all fly balls. 2. Block all ground balls. 3. Know where the runners are. 4. Always back up the infield. 5. Know what you are going to do if the ball comes to you. 6. Always move on every pitch. 7. Learn where each batter hits the ball. 8. Know what the count is and how many outs there are. 9. Move up closer on all change ups. 10. On all pick off plays when second or shortstop break for first or third start moving with them. 11. If the batter starts to bunt, move towards home plate immediately. 12. Anticipate the direction where the ball is being hit. 13. Run the ball in, at the proper time. 14. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 15. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 16. Never throw the ball to the pitcher.
CENTER FIELD: When the ball is hit: 1. Run in the direction the ball is hit; do not stop until the ball is caught. 2. Back up left field and right field. 3. Back up 2nd and short stop.
When runners are on base: 1. Back up 2nd on all throws made by an infielder to 2nd. 2. Back up 2nd when runners are stealing (do not get too close).
On all ground balls: 1. Get in front of the ball. 2. Put your knee on the ground. 3. Block the ball; let it hit you if you have to. 4. Throw the ball to 2nd base (most of the time).
On all fly balls: 1. Get under the ball. 2. Catch the ball coming down at your nose. 3. Try to set up your throw (line up on your target). 4. Throw to 2nd (most of the time) as quickly as possible.
When the ball is bunted: 1. Cover 2nd if nobody is there. 2. Back up 2nd if short stop is covering 2nd. 3. Move when the batter squares up to bunt.
General: 1. Go for all fly balls. 2. Block all ground balls. 3. Know where the runners are. 4. Always back up the infield. 5. Know what you are going to do if the ball comes to you. 6. Always move on every pitch. 7. Learn where each batter hits the ball. 8. Know what the count is and how many outs there are. 9. Move up closer on all change ups. 10. On all pick off plays when second or shortstop break for first or third start moving with them. 11. If the batter starts to bunt, move towards home plate immediately. 12. Anticipate the direction where the ball is being hit. 13. Run the ball in, at the proper time. 14. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 15. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 16. Never throw the ball to the pitcher.
RIGHT FIELD: When the ball is hit between 2nd and 3rd: 1. Back up 1st for the throw from any infielder. 2. Back up 2nd on the throw from the outfield. 3. Back up the center fielder on all hits that the center fielder tries to catch.
When the ball is hit between 1st and 2nd: 1. Run in the direction of the ball. 2. Make sure 1st or 2nd base catches the ball. 3. If they do not catch it, you catch it.
When a ball is hit to right field that touches the ground: 1. If fielded quickly, try to throw the batter out at 1st. 2. Throw the ball to 2nd base (most of the time).
On all ground balls: 1. Get in front of the ball. 2. Put your knee on the ground. 3. Block the ball; let it hit you if you have to. 4. Throw the ball to 2nd base (most of the time).
On all fly balls: 1. Get under the ball. 2. Catch the ball coming down at your nose. 3. Try to set up your throw (line up on your target). 4. Throw to 2nd (most of the time) as quickly as possible.
When the ball is bunted: 1. Cover first if nobody is there. 2. Back up first on all throws. 3. Move when the batter squares up to bunt.
General: 1. Go for all fly balls. 2. Block all ground balls. 3. Know where the runners are. 4. Always back up the infield. 5. Know what you are going to do if the ball comes to you. 6. Always move on every pitch. 7. Learn where each batter hits the ball. 8. Know what the count is and how many outs there are. 9. Move up closer on all change ups. 10. On all pick off plays when second or shortstop break for first or third, start moving with them. 11. If the batter starts to bunt, move towards home plate immediately. 12. Anticipate the direction where the ball is being hit. 13. Run the ball in, at the proper time. 14. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 15. Never throw the ball to the pitcher. 16. Never throw the ball to the pitcher.
# 11/15/01 | ||
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