Posted by: Teacherman () on Tue Dec 10 21:03:51 2002

First of all, great site!
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> This is a good question and I believe that Teacherman presented a good case for how to defend. I just want to add my two cents. The tendency on this particular play is to pull the 1st basemen off the bag toward right field (assuming a regulation 60ft LL base path). The runner at 3rd has no where to go but home, so defending home plate is important. But I also like to ensure that all the bags are covered, especially THE BAGS THAT CAN BE IMMEDIATELY ADVANCED TO.
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> I have my defense cover this play as follows: Pitcher covers 1B, SS rotates to 2B. Leave 3B unoccupied, as the 3rd basemen comes down the line to back-up home. The 3rd basemen serves no value staying at 3B unless the runner inadvertently comes way off the bag in error. This is definitely a problem at AAA (10 year olds) and under, but the Majors kids all know better.
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> I would also like to know the score. If I'm sitting on a 2 run lead late in the game, I'm not as concerned about the guy at third as I am about that tying run at 1st (and removing a potential force play at 2nd base with two down assuming my guy makes the catch and allows the runner at 3rd to tag-up and score).
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> Some may argue that this is an unorthodox approach. But, to me, the score and situation has a lot to do with it. Unfortunately, trying to teach a group of 11-12 year olds how to defend this situation in multiple ways would only add confusion.

I don't like the 3rd baseman backing home. Its always the pitchers job to back up the base being thrown to. I don't think anyone, at any level, will think before the pitch, "Oh yeah. 1st and 3rd. Therefore on a pop up behind 1st I have to cover 1st (pitcher)or I have to back up home (3rd baseman). I believe the defense should be within the normal defensive scheme or confusion will result at just the wrong time. And, if the ball is dropped you'll wish you had 3rd covered.