In baseball and softball, all nine fielders have defined responsibilities and need to move on every play.
Base hit to left field with a runner on first and second or bases loaded, the play goes to home.
Play:
| Situation: | Runner on first and second or
Bases loaded |
| Offense: | Base hit to left field |
| Defense: | Play goes to home |
Player Responsibilities:
| Pitcher: | Back up catcher, run around first base side so the catcher's view is unobstructed during the whole play |
| Catcher: | Cover home |
| 1st base: | Move across the infield to cutoff throw to home |
| 2nd base: | Check that the runner touches second base and cover second base |
| 3rd base: | Check that the runner touches third base and cover third base |
| Shortstop: | Move into the outfield to cutoff throw to third. The play becomes third if the ball is hit very deep |
| Left: | Fields the ball and throws to home (or third, if the ball is hit deep) |
| Center: | Back up left field |
| Right: | Back up second base should the batter attempt to advance to second on a throw that went to home or third |
| Note: | The throw to the cutoff man only if necessary, otherwise throw directly to home |
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