What does the catcher do on a single with nobody on?

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.

Nobody on, single to left field · Nobody on, single to right field

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Follow the batter-runner up the 1B line.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Get behind 1B in foul territory, in line with the backdoor throw from the infield. The pitcher has the throw from the outfield.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Stay behind 1B until the ball is dead, then return to the plate.

Nobody on, single to center field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Get behind 1B in foul territory, in line with the backdoor throw. You are the only backup on it.

Who you work with

• 1BFirst baseman is on the bag for the backdoor
• PPitcher backs up the throw from the outfield (or second, on a ball to center)
• SSShortstop is the cutoff man on balls to left and center (the second baseman on balls to right)

Common mistakes

• Staying at home plate.

  With nobody on there is no play at the plate. The useful place is behind first, where a backdoor throw that gets away would hand the runner second.

• Running up the line in fair territory.

  Follow the runner in foul ground and set up behind the bag, in line with the throw from the infield.

The plays

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

• Backs up the backdoor throwNobody on, single to left field
• Backs up the backdoor throwNobody on, single to center field
• Backs up the backdoor throwNobody on, single to right field

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Nobody on, single. What does the catcher do?

   1. A.Stays at home in case the runner keeps going
   2. B.Runs to back up the throw to second
   3. C.Follows the runner up the line to back up a backdoor throw
   4. D.Goes to cover third while the third baseman is out
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. Follows the runner up the line to back up a backdoor throw. Follows the runner up the line and backs up a backdoor throw from the infield.

More catcher jobs

• 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?
• 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