COACH SARAIN

1

Situation 01	Ground ball to the third baseman with no one on base.
Objective	The play at first. The right fielder and the catcher back up the throw to first.
Diagram
Catcher	Follows the runner toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first and takes the throw.
Second baseman	Covers second.
Third baseman	Fields the ball and throws to first
Shortstop	Backs up the batted ball.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third to back up the hit or a possible throw.
Center fielder	Backs up a possible throw to second
Right fielder	Moves toward the foul line to pick up any overthrow

2

Situation 02	Ground ball to the second baseman with no one on base.
Objective	The play at first. The right fielder backs up the batted ball, and then the right fielder and the catcher back up the throw to first.
Diagram
Catcher	Follows the runner toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first and takes the throw.
Second baseman	Fields the ball and throws to first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left Fielder	Moves toward center field to back up a possible throw to second.
Center fielder	Backs up the second baseman for any deflection and backs up second for a possible throw.
Right fielder	(1) Backs up the batted ball and then (2) moves to the fence for any possible overthrow of first.

3

Situation 03	Ground ball to the pitcher with a runner on first and less than two outs.
Objective	The play at second. The pitcher should know where the player covering second wants the ball. For example, if the shortstop is moving toward the bag, the pitcher would throw a lead throw to her.
Diagram
Pitcher	If the ball is fielded on the pitcher's right side, she looks for the second baseman covering. lf the ball is fielded on the pitcher's left side, she looks for the shortstop covering.
Catcher	Follows the batter toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first.
Shortstop and Second baseman	The player who does not cover the throw backs up the play.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third to back up a possible throw.
Center fielder	Moves toward second to back up the throw.
Right fielder	Moves toward the foul line to cover any overthrow.

4

Situation 04	Ground ball to the first baseman with a runner on first and less than two outs.
Objective	The double play with the shortstop covering second. The first baseman should throw to second on either side of the baseline to avoid hitting the runner.
Diagram
Catcher	Follows the runner toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Fields the ball and throws to second, then covers first for the throw from the shortstop.
Second baseman	Backs up the first baseman and is prepared to cover first if the first baseman cannot come back.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second, takes the throw, and throws to first.
Left Fielder	Backs up the throw to second.
Center fielder	Backs up the throw to second.
Right fielder	Moves toward the foul line to back up the throw to first.

5

Situation 05	Ground ball to the second baseman with a runner on first and less than two outs.
Objective	The double play with the shortstop covering second.
Diagram
Catcher	Follows the runner toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Fields the ball and throws to second. The second baseman may also have the opportunity to tag the runner, then throw to first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second, takes the throw, and throws to first.
Left Fielder	(1) Backs up the throw to second and then (2) backs up the possible throw to third. Moves from position 1 to position 2 when the play is completed at second.
Center and left fielders	Back up the throw to second 30 feet apart and at different angles.
Right fielder	(1) Backs up the second baseman and then (2) backs up the throw to first.

6

Situation 06	Ground ball to the shortstop with a runner on first and less than two outs.
Objective	The double play with the second baseman covering second.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third and moves to foul territory.
Catcher	Follows the batter toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first and takes the second baseman's throw.
Second baseman	Covers second, takes the throw, and throws to first.
Third baseman	Covers third,
Shortstop	Fields the ball and throws to second.
Left Fielder	Backs up the batted ball on an angle behind the center fielder.
Center fielder	(1) Moves to back up the hit and then (2) sprints to back up the throw from the shortstop to second base.
Right fielder	(1) Backs up the throw to second and then (2) backs up the throw to first. Moves to the secondary position as soon as the center fielder is in position to back up the throw from shortstop to second base.

7

Situation 07	Ground ball to the third baseman with a runner on first and less than two outs.
Objective	The double play with the second baseman covering second.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third.
Catcher	Follows the batter toward first and backs up the base.
First baseman	Covers first and takes the second baseman's throw,
Second baseman	Covers second, takes the throw, and throws to first.
Third baseman	Fields the ball and throws to second and then covers third.
Shortstop	Backs up the batted ball to third.
Left Fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Center fielder	(1) Moves to back up the hit at a deeper angle than the left fielder and then (2) sprints to back up the throw from the third baseman to second base.
Right fielder	(1) Backs up the throw to second and then (2) backs up the throw to first. Moves to the secondary position as soon as the center fielder is in position to back up the throw from the third baseman to second base.

8

Situation 08	Ground ball to the shortstop with a runner on third and less than two outs.
Objective	To get the lead runner out at the plate if she goes; if not, the play at first.
Diagram
Pitcher	1) Attempts to field the ball and then (2) moves toward home plate in the event of a rundown.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	When either the third baseman or the shortstop fields a ground ball with a runner on third (less than two outs), the first baseman moves to the "short position." She sets up to receive the throw along the foul line, about 10 to 15 feet in front of the bag. From here, the throw to the plate on a delay by the runner at third will be a shorter throw. The first baseman would get the batter out if there were no play at the plate.
Second baseman	Covers second.
Third baseman	First attempts to field the ball; if she doesn't field the ball, she covers third as the runner from third breaks for the plate.
Shortstop	Fields the grounder and throws home, then backs up third. lf the third baseman fields the ball, the shortstop should cover third.
Outfielders	Move toward the infield and back up the base in front of them for a possible throw.
Note	With runners on first and third and less than two outs, the coach must decide whether to have the infielders try to hold the runner at third or go for the double play. Unless the runner on third is vital and there are no outs, you should instruct the pitcher, shortstop, and second baseman to go for the double play. This defense allows the middle infielders to play deeper and reach more ground balls. The first and third basemen, because their double play throws are longer, should check the runner at third and throw home if the runner breaks or throw to second if the runner at third holds.

9

Situation 09	Long single (possible double) to left center with no one on base, with a runner on second, a runner on third, or with runners on second and third.
Objective	The play at second to prevent the batter base runner from reaching scoring position. A long throw from the outfield may require a relay.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up second. Does not stand in the base path where she may interfere with the runner.
Catcher	Follows the runner to first in case of a rundown.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Covers second, prepares to take the throw, and tells the shortstop whether or not to cut.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Moves to the outfield, in line with the outfielder and second base. Listens to the second baseman's instructions and cuts the throw or lets it go through.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball, uses the shortstop as a possible relay, and throws to second.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Backs up the throw to second.
Note	This play is diagrammed for a ball hit to left center. The fielders' assignments are the same for a long hit down the left-field line.

10

Situation 10	Long single (possible double) down the right-field line with no one on base, with a runner on second, a runner on third, or with runners on second and third.
Objective	The play at second to prevent the batter base runner from reaching scoring position. A long throw from the outfield may require a relay.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up second. Does not stand in the base path where she may interfere with the runner.
Catcher	Follows the runner to first in case of a rundown.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Moves toward the outfield, in line with the outfielder and second base. Listens to the shortstop's instructions and cuts the throw or lets it go through.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second, prepares to take the throw, and tells the second baseman whether or not to cut.
Left Fielder	Backs up the throw to third.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Fields the ball, uses the second baseman as a possible relay, and throws to second.
Note	This play is diagrammed for a ball hit down the right-field line. The fielders' assignments are the same for a possible double to right center.

11

Situation 11	Double (possible triple) to left center with no one on base, with a runner on second, a runner on third, or with runners on second and third.
Objective	The play on the batter base runner trying to reach third. The shortstop is the relay, and the second baseman concedes the double and backs up the relay.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Trails the runner to second for a possible pick-off throw from the relay player.
Second baseman	Backs up the shortstop about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with third base.
Third baseman	Covers third and prepares to take the throw. Tells the shortstop or second baseman whether or not to cut the ball.
Shortstop	Moves toward the outfielder, in line with the ball and third base, so that she is able to catch the outfielder's throw in the air.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the relay.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Moves toward second to back up a possible throw.
Note	The fielders' assignments are the same for a possible triple down the left-field line.

12

Situation 12	Double (possible triple) to right center with no one on base, with a runner on second, a runner on third, or with runners on second and third.
Objective	The play on the batter trying to reach third. The second base to the relay position, and the shortstop backs up the relay.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Trails the runner to second for a possible pick-off throw from the relay player.
Second baseman	Moves toward the outfielder, in line with the ball and third base, so that she is able to catch the outfielder's throw in the air.
Third baseman	Covers third, tells the shortstop whether or not to cut the ball, and prepares to take the throw.
Shortstop	Backs up the second baseman about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with third base. Listens for the third baseman's call about cutting the ball.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third to back up a possible throw.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and, using the second baseman as a possible relay, throws to third.

13

Situation 13	Double (possible triple) down the right-field line with no one on base, with a runner on second, a runner on third, or with runners on second and third/.
Objective	The play on the batter base runner trying to reach third. The first baseman serves as the backup when the second baseman goes out for the relay.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Backs up the second baseman about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with third base. Instructs the second baseman on whether or not to relay the throw.
Second baseman	Moves toward the outfielder, in line with the ball and third base, so that she is able to catch the outfielder's throw in the air. Listens for the first baseman's instructions.
Third baseman	Covers third and prepares to take the relay. Tells either the first or second baseman whether or not to cut the throw.
Shortstop	Covers second for a possible pick-off throw from the second baseman.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third in case of a rundown.
Center fielder	Backs up the right fielder.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the second baseman relay.

14

Situation 14	Triple (possible inside-the-park home run) to center.
Objective	The play at home plate to prevent the batter from scoring.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate, prepares to take the throw, and instructs the first baseman whether to cut the ball.
First baseman	Moves directly in line with the second baseman and home plate about 40 feet from home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the relay or let it go through.
Second baseman	Moves toward the center fielder, in line with the ball and home plate, so that she is able to catch the throw in the air. Listens for the shortstop's instructions on whether to cut the throw and throw to third or cut the throw and throw home.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Backs up the second baseman about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with home plate. Instructs the second baseman on whether or not to relay the throw.
Left Fielder	Backs up third in case of a pick-off overthrow from the first baseman or catcher.
Center fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the second baseman.
Right fielder	Backs up the hit.
Note	On hits to the right-field side of the center fielder, the second baseman is the relay. On balls to the left field side, the shortstop becomes the relay.

15

Situation 15	Single to right with a runner on first.
Objective	The play at third and holding the batter to a single.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	(1) Moves out to field the hit and then (2) repositions to cover second.
Third baseman	Covers third, prepares to take the throw, and instructs the shortstop whether or not to cut the ball.
Shortstop	Moves in line with the right fielder and third base. Follows the third baseman's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third in case of an overthrow or rundown.
Center fielder	Backs up the hit.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and, using the shortstop as a possible relay, throws to third.
Note	On hits to the right-field side of the center fielder, the second baseman is the relay. On balls to the left-field side, the shortstop becomes the relay. On a single to center or left, the play is the same coverage except there would be no relay needed and the second baseman would cover second. The center and left fielders would back up the batted ball.

16

Situation 16	Long single (possible double) down the left-field line with a runner on first, with runners on first and second. runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at second to prevent the batter base runner from reaching scoring position.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third or home.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Covers second. Instructs the shortstop whether or not to cut the throw from the left fielder.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Moves into the outfield, directly in line with the left fielder and second base. Listens for the second baseman's instructions. Cuts off the throw or lets it go through.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball and, using the shortstop as a possible relay, throws to second.
Center fielder	Backs up the left fielder.
Right fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of an overthrow at second.
Note	The diagram for this play shows a ball hit down the left-field line. The fielders' assignments are the same for a possible double to left center with a runner on first, runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded. If the batter has a chance of reaching second, the runner on first will usually make third easily.

17

Situation 17	Long single (possible double) to right center with a runner on first, with runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at second to prevent the batter base runner from reaching scoring position.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third or home.
Catcher	Covers home plate.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Moves into the outfield, directly in line with the right fielder and second base. Listens for the shortstop's instructions. Cuts off the throw or lets it go through.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second, prepares to take the throw, and instructs the second baseman whether or not to cut it off.
Left Fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of an overthrow at second.
Center fielder	Backs up the right fielder.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and, using the second baseman as a possible relay, throws to second.
Note	The diagram for this play shows a ball hit to right center. The fielders' assignments are the same for a possible double to left center with a runner on first, runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded. lf the batter has a chance of reaching second, the runner on first will usually make third easily.

18

Situation 18	Double (possible triple) to left center with a runner on first, with runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Moves outside the third-base line, close to home plate. Backs up third or home, depending on the play.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the relay comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the shortstop and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the relay or let it go through.
Second baseman	Backs up the shortstop about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with home plate. Instructs the shortstop on where to relay the throw or to just cut it off.
Third baseman	Covers third and takes the relay if it comes there.
Shortstop	Moves into the outfield, directly in line with the left fielder and home plate. Listens for the second baseman's instructions. Relays the throw either to the plate (using the first baseman as a guide) or to third, or just cuts off the throw.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball and throws toward the middle infielders.
Center fielder	Backs up the left fielder.
Right fielder	Covers second.
Note	In this play, there is a relay player and a cutoff player.

19

Situation 19	Double (possible triple) down the left-field line with a runner on first, with runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third and home.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the relay comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the shortstop and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the relay or let it go through.
Second baseman	Covers second.
Third baseman	Serves a dual role: (1) backs up the relay and (2) covers third and takes the relay if it comes there. Both occur at the base.
Shortstop	Moves out into the outfield, directly in line with the left fielder and home plate. Listens for the third baseman's instructions. Relays the throw either to home plate (using the first baseman as a guide) or to third, or just cuts off the throw.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the shortstop.
Center fielder	Backs up the left fielder.
Right fielder	Backs up a possible throw to second.
Note	In this play, there is a relay player and a cutoff player.

20

Situation 20	Double (possible triple) to right center with a runner on first. with runners on first and second. runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third and home.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the relay comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the second baseman and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the relay or let it go through.
Second baseman	Moves into the outfield, directly in line with the right fielder and home plate. Listens for the shortstop's instructions. Relays the throw either to the plate (using the first baseman as a guide) or to third, or just cuts off the throw.
Third baseman	Covers third and takes the relay if it comes there.
Shortstop	Backs up the second baseman about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with the throw to third. Instructs the second baseman on where to relay the throw or to just cut it off.
Left Fielder	Backs up third in line with the first baseman in case the relay to the plate is cut off and the throw goes to third.
Center fielder	Backs up the right fielder.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the second baseman.
Note	In this play, there is a relay player and a cutoff player.

21

Situation 21	Double (possible triple) down the right-field line with a runner on first, with runners on first and second, runners on first and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up third and home.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the relay comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the second baseman and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the relay or let it go through.
Second baseman	Moves out into the outfield, directly in line with the right fielder and home plate. Listens for the shortstop's instructions. Relays the throw either to the plate (using the first baseman as a guide) or to third, or just cuts off the throw.
Third baseman	Covers third and takes the relay if it comes there.
Shortstop	Backs up the second baseman about 20 to 30 feet behind her in line with the plate. Instructs the second baseman on where to relay the throw or to just cut it off.
Left Fielder	Backs up third in line with the first baseman in case the relay to the plate is cut off and the throw goes to third.
Center fielder	Backs up the right fielder.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the second baseman.
Note	In this play, there is a relay player and a cutoff player.

22

Situation 22	Single to left with a runner on second, or with runners on first and second, runners on second and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate and holding the batter to a single.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the throw comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the third baseman whether or not to cut it.
First baseman	Covers first.
Second baseman	Covers second and takes the throw if it comes there. It may come from the left fielder, the third baseman, or the catcher.
Third baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the left fielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Shortstop	Covers third.
Left Fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the plate.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	oves toward the infield in case of an overthrow at second.
Note	Players should not let the tying run get into scoring position at second base by throwing to the plate when the runner is likely to score or has held up at third.

23

Situation 23	Single to center with a runner on second, or with runners on second and third.
Objective	The play at the plate and holding the batter to a single.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate. If the throw comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the center fielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second and takes the throw if it comes there. lt may come from the center fielder, the first baseman, or the catcher.
Left and right fielders	Back up the batted ball.
Center fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the plate.
Note	Players should not let the tying run get into scoring position at second base by throwing to the plate when the runner is likely to score or has held up at third.

24

Situation 24	Single to right with a runner on second. or with runners on first and second, runners on second and third. or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate and holding the batter to a single.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate. lf the throw comes toward the plate, the catcher prepares to take it and instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the right fielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Second baseman	Covers first after the throw has been made to the plate.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second and takes the throw if it comes there. lt may come from the right fielder, the first baseman, or the catcher.
Left Fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of an overthrow or rundown.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Fields the ball and throws to the plate.
Note	Players should not let the tying run get into scoring position at second base by throwing to the plate when the runner is likely to score or has held up at third base.

25

Situation 25	Possible sacrifice fly to the outfield with a runner on third.
Objective	The play at the plate.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate and prepares to take the throw. When the throw comes toward the plate, the catcher instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the outfielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left Fielder	Backs up center field, third base, or catches the ball and throws home.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball or catches the ball and throws home.
Right fielder	Backs up center field or catches the ball and throws home.
Note	The location of the ball determines which outfielder fields it. In the diagram, the center fielder makes the catch.

26

Situation 26	Possible sacrifice fly to left with runners on first and third.
Objective	The play at the plate and holding the other runner at first.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate.
Catcher	Covers home plate and prepares to take the throw. When the throw comes toward the plate, the catcher instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut it off.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the left fielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through. If the first baseman cuts the throw because there is no play at home, she can hold the runner at first.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left Fielder	atches the ball and throws home, or if there is no play at home, throws to second.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of a rundown or an overthrow at second.
Note	An accurate throw and a properly positioned cutoff player will keep the runner on first from moving to second. On a sacrifice fly to right or center with runners on first and third, the defense is the same.

27

Situation 27	Possible sacrifice fly to center with runners on second and third, or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate or possibly third base.
Catcher	Covers home plate and prepares to take the throw. Instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut off the throw.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher's mound, directly in line with the center fielder and home plate. Following the catcher's instructions, the first baseman cuts off the throw to hold the runner or lets it go through.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Covers third.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left and right fielders	Back up the batted ball.
Center fielder	Catches the ball and throws home, or if there is no play at home, throws to third.
Note	An accurate throw and a properly positioned cutoff player will keep the runner on second from moving to third.

28

Situation 28	Possible sacrifice fly to right with runners on second and third. or with the bases loaded.
Objective	The play at the plate or the play at third.
Diagram
Pitcher	Backs up home plate or possibly third base.
Catcher	Covers home plate and prepares to take the throw. Instructs the first baseman whether or not to cut off the throw.
First baseman	Moves near the pitcher’s mound, directly in line with the right fielder and home plate. Follows the catcher's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Covers third. If the throw comes toward third, the third baseman prepares to take it and instructs the shortstop whether or not to cut it off.
Shortstop	(1) Moves directly in line between the right fielder and third base. Follows the third baseman's instructions to cut off the throw or let it go through. (2) Covers second.
Left Fielder	Moves toward third in case of a rundown or overthrow.
Center fielder	Backs up the batted ball.
Right fielder	Catches the ball and throws home, or if there is no play at home, throws to third.
Note	An accurate throw and a properly positioned cutoff player will keep the runner on second from moving to third. On a possible sacrifice fly to left with runners on second and third, the defense would remain the same.

29

Situation 29	Sacrifice bunt with a runner on first.
Objective	A force play at second or the sure out at first. The infielders would make a play on the base runner going to first if they have the opportunity to get her out.
Diagram
Pitcher	Breaks toward the plate after delivering the pitch. If she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to second or to first.
Catcher	If possible, fields the bunt and makes the play—either to second or to first—or instructs the infielder who picks up the bunt where to throw. Covers third if the third baseman fields the ball.
First baseman	Breaks in and covers the area between the foul line and the mound. lf she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to second or first.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Breaks in and covers the area between the foul line and the mound. If she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to second or first.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left Fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of a throw to third (she is in the backup position).
Center fielder	Backs up second.
Right fielder	Backs up the throw to first.

30

Situation 30	Sacrifice bunt with runners on first and second.
Objective	A force play at third or the sure out at first.
Diagram
Pitcher	Breaks toward the plate after delivering the pitch. If she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to third or to first.
Catcher	If possible, fields the bunt and makes the play—either to third or to first—or instructs the infielder who picks up the bunt where to throw.
First baseman	Breaks in and covers the area between the foul line and the mound. lf she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to third or to first.
Second baseman	Covers first.
Third baseman	Breaks in and covers the area between the foul line and the mound. lf she fields the bunt, she follows the catcher's instructions and throws to third or to first.
Shortstop	Covers third.
Left Fielder	Moves toward the infield in case of a throw to third (she is in the backup position).
Center fielder	Covers second.
Right fielder	Backs up the throw to first.

31

Situation 31	Double steal with runners on first and third.
Objective	To get an out and prevent the run from scoring.
Diagram
Pitcher	Delivers the pitch, moves off the line of the throw to second, and if there is a rundown with the runner at third, backs up the catcher.
Catcher	Receives the pitch, looks at the runner on third to freeze her, throws down to second, and prepares to cover the plate and receive the throw from the infielder.
First baseman	(1) Moves to defend against the bunt and then (2) moves to cover first in case of a rundown.
Second baseman	Moves into the cutoff position an equal distance from the mound and second, just slightly off the catcher's throwing line to second base. She has three options: (1) Decoy the runner at third by making a fake attempt to catch the ball and letting the throw go through; (2) Catch the ball and either throw to the shortstop covering second or make a play on the runner at third; (3) Catch the ball if the throw from the catcher is wide.
Third baseman	(1) Moves to defend against the bunt and then (2) moves to cover third in case the throw comes there from the catcher or the second baseman.
Shortstop	Covers second.
Left Fielder	Backs up the throw to third from the catcher or the second baseman.
Center fielder	Backs up the throw to second and is ready for a possible rundown.
Right fielder	Breaks for first as soon as the catcher receives the pitch and the runner breaks for second to help on a possible rundown between first and second.