What does the catcher call on a bunt with a runner on first?

The job, step by step

The job is the same idea on each play. The first one is shown in full; after it, only the steps that change.

Runner on first, bunt back to the pitcher · Runner on first, bunt to the first-base side · Runner on first, bunt back to the pitcher (Pitcher-to-third coverage) · Runner on first, bunt to the first-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage) · Runner on first, bunt to the third-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Field the bunt if it is in front of the plate. Otherwise point and call the base — “Two!” for the force, “One!” for the sure out — loud, early, and once.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Back up the throw, then return to the plate and cover it. Watch the lead runner.

Runner on first, bunt to the third-base side: what changes

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Field the bunt if it is in front of the plate. Otherwise make the call — loud, early, and once. It decides who takes it, the third baseman or the pitcher, and where it goes: “Two!” for the force, “One!” for the sure out.

Who you work with

• SSShortstop takes the force at second
• 2BSecond baseman covers first
• 1BFirst baseman crashes with the third baseman

Common mistakes

• Always calling “Two!”

  The lead-runner force is the first look, not the only one. On a soft bunt the fielder has no time to get the man at second; the sure out is at first.

• Staying on the call and forgetting the plate.

  After the call, back up the throw, then get back to the plate. The runner who reaches second may still try for more.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Calls the baseRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher
• Calls the baseRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side
• Calls who fields and whereRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side
• Calls the baseRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
• Calls the baseRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
• Calls the baseRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)

More catcher jobs

• Backs up firstWhat does the catcher do on a single with nobody on?
• Holds the plate, repeats the callWhat does the catcher do on a single with a runner on first?
• Runs the play at the plateWhat does the catcher call on a single with a runner on second?
• Lines up the relay, makes the callWhat does the catcher do on a double with a runner on first?
• Fields it or calls "One!"What does the catcher do on a bunt with nobody on?
• Calls "Three!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with runners on first and second?
• Stays home for the tagWhat does the catcher do on a squeeze play?

The catcher on every play · All positions