OHIO COUNTY FASTPITCH HANDBOOK
THE SECOND BASEMAN: Skills & Techniques









          BUNTS

        • Cover 1st on ALL BUNT ATTEMPTS.

        • If the 1B calls you off by saying "I'VE GOT IT" on a bunt, let her cover 1st while you back her up as deeply as you can (angle back).

        • Cheat a few steps toward 1st if it is a bunt situation.


          STEALS

        • Cover 2nd on steal attempts with a RHB, except with runners on 1st & 3rd unless the coverage is changed by the coach.
        • When there is only a runner at 1st, you hear "GOING", then it is your responsibility to cover 2nd, sprint immediately to the base and straddle the base by squaring up to the Catcher.
        • Cut-off the throw to 2nd IF YOU ARE SURE you can get the runner going home on a 1st & 3rd double steal.
        • If you do not cut-off the throw to 2nd, fake the cut-off and fake the throw.
        • Do NOT leave your position until the ball has passed the batter if the throw is NOT coming to 2nd on a 1st & 3rd double steal.



          WHEN THE BALL IS HIT

        • Cover 2nd on singles to the left side of 2nd base.
        • Go out as the relay on all balls getting past the Out Field on the right side of 2nd base.
        • Go out as the back-up to the SS on sure extra-base hits (balls that get past the Out Field) to the left side of 2nd (tandem relay).
        • Cover 2nd on a routine single to Right Field with a runner on 1st (look to sneak in and take the throw from the Short Stop if the Short Stop cuts the throw by the Right Field toward 3rd).
        • Back-up 1st on ground balls to the 3B and Pitcher when there are no runners on base or there is only a runner at 3rd (the Catcher cannot get the angle to back-up).
        • Get to the base as soon as you can on a possible Double Play. It is easier to catch and throw standing still than on the move. Give a good target to your teammate.



          VARIOUS SITUATIONS

        • Yell the number of outs to the Right Fielder and Center Fielder before each batter.
        • Play a step closer to 2nd with a Right Handed Batter.
        • Back up the Pitcher on all Catcher's throws with a runner on 3rd and a Right Handed Batter.
        • Catch all fly balls behind the 1st base area because your angle is better than the 1B's.
        • Back up 1st on third strikes getting past the Catcher.
        • Cover 1st on routine singles to Center Field or Right Field with a runner on 2nd or runners on 2nd & 3rd because the 1B is the cut-off to home plate. If the 1B cuts off the throw and the batter makes a big turn at 1st, you will be there for a throw.
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