Posted by: () on Wed Dec 11 08:23:15 2002

First of all, great site!
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > 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).
> >
> > 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.

I am not sure what you mean when you say "it will be caught." If the ball is catchable it depends on who catches it. If there is a choice the right fielder MUST make the catch since he will be facing the infield and able to make a throw as soon as he catches the ball. The second base covers first, short stop covers second, third base covers third and the pitcher backs up home.

I don't know what a previous poster means by "if the ball is dropped you'll wish you had 3rd covered." The ball is foul. If it's dropped the play is dead. If the right fielder catches the ball he will be inside 20 of first base and running toward it. If the runner on first goes the right fielder can make the throw to second if the runner on third stays. If the runner on first gets caught off the bag the right fielder will be running toward the bag and can make the play while still keeping his eye on the runner on thrid.

Barring something exceptional, the pitcher always backs up home when the ball is hit and there are men on base. Its automatic and there is nothing to teach.

But, whose on first? I don't know........thrid base.