The job, step by step
The same on all 6 plays below.
- 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: “Three!” for the force, or “One!” when the out is at first.
- AssessThe ball back in the infield
Back up the throw, then return to the plate and cover it. Watch the lead runner.
Who you work with
- Shortstop covers third in the wheel
- Pitcher owns the left side of the infield
- First baseman owns the right side
Common mistakes
- Calling “Three!” on a slow roller.
The force at third needs a quick fielder and a firm throw. A soft bunt the fielder has to charge a long way is an out at first.
- Losing track of the lead runner.
Back up the throw, then get to the plate and watch the lead runner. With two on, a bad throw can become a run quickly.
The plays
Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher (Wheel coverage)
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side (Wheel coverage)
- Makes the callRunners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side (Wheel 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 "Two!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with a runner on first?
- Stays home for the tagWhat does the catcher do on a squeeze play?