In baseball and softball, all nine fielders have defined responsibilities and need to move on every play.
Double or triple down the left field line with bases empty, the play goes to third.
Play:
| Situation: | Bases empty |
| Offense: | Double or triple down the left field line |
| Defense: | Play goes to third base |
Player Responsibilities:
| Pitcher: | Backup third base |
| Catcher: | Cover home |
| 1st base: | Check that the runner touches first base and trail behind the runner to about halfway between first and second base. |
| 2nd base: | Cover second base, check that the runner touches second base, then trail behind the runner and stop about 20 feet behind the cutoff man (SS) |
| 3rd base: | Cover third base |
| Shortstop: | Moves into outfield to cutoff throw to either third (or second) base |
| Left: | Fields the ball and throws to base in front of the runners current position (or cutoff, if the ball is hit deep) |
| Center: | Back up left field |
| Right: | Back up the throw to second base |
| Note: | The throw to the cutoff man only if necessary, otherwise throw directly to the base in front of the runner (either second or third base). |
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