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The Art of Defense

There are those who believe "the best defense is a good offence".

This is true, unless you are the visiting team in the bottom of the seventh inning.  At that point in the game, you better be able to field and throw with precision.  In addition, you better know what you are going to do with the ball, if it should come to you.

The Tiger philosophy is "the best defense understands offence".  If a batter's stance is "open", where is the ball most likely to go based on the pitches that are your pitcher's strengths?  Do you know what are your pitcher's strengths?  Is this a bunting situation, or maybe the time for a "hit & run"?  Will the other team steal on this pitch?

In addition, the Tigers want each player to learn the entire game.  We would like you to know where every player should be in a given situation.  With all of the games that we will be playing, you may be asked to play a position outside of your norm.

At the same time, for those of you with college interests, you will attract more attention by the recruiters.  A pitcher forgetting to back up home plate, a 1st baseman that doesn't automatically move to line up a throw from the outfield to home, an outfielder that does not throw to the cut off person, these simple lapses not only separate good teams from great teams; they may separate you from a college scholarship.

Following are some simple rules that should become second nature you.
 

1st Baseman	2nd Baseman	3rd Baseman
Shortstop	Catcher	Pitcher
Outfielders	Those on the bench	Player Coach

The Pitcher

Is everyone in position?  Never, no, never ever pitch without making certain that everyone is in the proper location!

After the pitch has been called, think.  If hit, where will this ball go?  Is that person in the right location?  If this sounds strange to you, make certain that you read the Tiger's Pitcher's qualifications.  If you have the control that you should have, this is the logical question that follows your study time.

The Catcher

It cannot be overstated, the catcher is the field general.  If you are the general, you oversee all.  If you oversee all, you are to direct each player.

If two players are each calling for a pop up, you yell which player is in a better position to make the play.  A player, fielding a ball, cannot see what the runners are doing.  The catcher calls out where the throw should be made.

If you have done what is required on our Catcher's page, you should be calling the pitches since you have the best spot on the field to watch the batter.

• On an inside pitch (right handed batter) popped up, turn left to find the ball.
• On an outside pitch (right handed batter) popped up, turn right to find the ball.
• On a pitch down the middle popped up, the ball will be above or directly behind you.
• Never catch a pop up using a "basket" catch.  Catch the ball above your head.  If you drop it, you'll have the opportunity of catching it on the rebound.
• Field every bunt with two hands.  Stop the ball first with your glove.  Scoop the ball into your throwing hand.
• With no one on base, follow the runner to first base on a ground ball.  Position yourself for errant throws.

While infielders have the luxury of seeing the catcher's signals, you must still anticipate where the ball will be hit.
 

• Sprint, do not jog, to any ball or position.
• Never catch the ball "basket style".
• Catch the ball above your head, to the side of your throwing arm.
• All relay throws are through the raised arms of the cut off person.

• Don't stretch too soon.  Make certain where the ball is going and that you can reach it.
• Stretch using your leg opposite your glove hand for maximum stretching distance.
• Make certain to help your catcher on a bunt.  You must remain inside the baseline.  Yell "inside".
• When charging a bunt, give way to all fielders, except left handed pitchers on a play to first.

3rd Baseman

• While many coaches have this player very close to the batter, we will only play that way if the situation warrants it.
• Any ground ball on the left side of the field that you can reach is yours.
• You have priority to field all bunts (except the catcher) on a play to first and second.
• Left handed pitchers, 1st baseman, and catchers have priority fielding bunts when the play is at third, and you were charging)
• Field the stopped ball by "palming" the ball.  Do not use your glove to pick the ball up.
• Speak loudly and distinctly when giving directions to your relay players.

Did you know that "every" great coach has at least one player that acts as a coach on the field.  She is not necessarily a loud person, though she will shout instructions, if needed.  She always does what needs to be done, before the coach speaks.

This person will attract college recruiters.
 

Those on the Bench

Most players don't realize they are still a part of the game, even thought they are on the bench.

At any given moment, the coach may call your number.  If you have been joking, or pouting, or simply not paying attention, you will disappoint your team.

Think like a coach.  What should we do now?  Will the other team bunt?  If so, has the correct play been called?  Try to pick up the other coach's signals.  Make certain that everyone is in position.  If you see something wrong, take action.