Insights from parents, coaches, and young athletes around the world
In baseball, championship teams are built on defense and pitching because these skills win close games. Very few teams can outscore their opponents consistently. Good team defense requires practice and all nine players on the field must move in an orchestrated symphony for proper execution that produce more outs and keep aggressive runners from advancing bases. If you're team is well prepared then you will feel confident calling plays during the game, and you may actually look to take advantage of other team's offensive weaknesses with your defensive strength.
The links below contain a list of regularly occurring game defensive situations.
Bunt to Third with Bases Empty Bunt to Third with Runner on Base Bunt to Third with Runner on Third Bunt to Third with Runner on First and Third Bunt to Third with Runner on Second and Third
Bunt to First with Bases Empty Bunt to First with Runner on Third Bunt to First with Runner on First and Third Bunt to First with Runner on Second and Third
Bunt to the Pitcher with Bases Empty Bunt to Pitcher with Runner on Base Bunt to Pitcher with Runner on Third Bunt to Pitcher with Runner on First and Third Bunt to Pitcher with Runner on Second and Third
Base Hit to Left with Bases Empty Base Hit to Left with Runner(s) on First (and Third) Base Hit to Left with Runners on First and Second (or Loaded) Base Hit to Left with Runner(s) on Second or Second and Third
Base Hit to Center with Bases Empty Base Hit to Center with Runner(s) on First (and Third) Base Hit to Center with Runners on First and Second (or Loaded) Base Hit to Center with Runner(s) on Second or Second and Third
Base Hit to Right with Bases Empty Base Hit to Right with Runner(s) on First (and Third) Base Hit to Right with Runners on First and Second (or Loaded) Base Hit to Right with Runner(s) on Second or Second and Third
Double or Triple to Left Field Line with Bases Empty Double or Triple to Left Field Line with Runner on Base
Double or Triple to Left Center Gap with Bases Empty Double or Triple to Left Center Gap with Runner on Base
Double or Triple to Right Center Gap with Bases Empty Double or Triple to Right Center Gap with Runner on Base
Double or Triple to Right Field Line with Bases Empty Double or Triple Down Right Field Line with Runner on Base
Fly Ball Fielding Priority
Infield Fly on the Left Side Infield Fly in the Middle Infield Fly on the Right Side
Outfield Fly to Left with Bases Empty Outfield Fly to Left with Runner on First Outfield Fly to Left with Runner on Second Outfield Fly to Left with Runner on Third
Outfield Fly to Center with Bases Empty Outfield Fly to Center with Runner on First Outfield Fly to Center with Runner on Second Outfield Fly to Center with Runner on Third
Outfield Fly to Right with Bases Empty Outfield Fly to Right with Runner on First Outfield Fly to Right with Runner on Second Outfield Fly to Right with Runner on Third