Where does the center fielder go on a bunt?

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, bunt back to the pitcher · Nobody on, bunt to the first-base side · Nobody on, bunt to the third-base side

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come straight in behind second, reading the play. If anything is thrown to second, you are the backup.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   The moment the ball goes across the diamond to first, break toward left field: you are backing up the throw from first to second on a backdoor play. Hold until the ball is dead, then jog back out.

Runner on second, bunt back to the pitcher · Runners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher · Runner on third, squeeze bunt back to the pitcher · Runner on second, bunt to the first-base side · Runner on second, bunt to the third-base side · Runners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side · Runners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side · Runner on third, squeeze bunt to the first-base side · Runner on third, squeeze bunt to the third-base side: what changes

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come straight in behind second, reading the play. If anything is thrown to second, you are the backup. The moment the ball goes across the diamond to first, break toward left field: you are now backing up the throw from first to second on a backdoor play.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Hold your spot until the ball is dead, then jog back out.

Who you work with

• SSShortstop covers second
• 2BSecond baseman covers first
• LFLeft fielder comes in behind third (the right fielder, behind first)

Common mistakes

• Waiting for the ball to be bunted.

  All three outfielders go when the batter squares, before the pitch. The backup has to be there when the throw is.

• Staying behind second after the throw goes to first.

  Once the ball goes to first, the next throw is first to second. Slide toward left so you are on that line.

The plays

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

• Behind second, then the backdoorNobody on, bunt back to the pitcher
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on second, bunt back to the pitcher
• Reads the play behind secondRunners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on third, squeeze bunt back to the pitcher
• Behind second, then the backdoorNobody on, bunt to the first-base side
• Behind second, then the backdoorNobody on, bunt to the third-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on second, bunt to the first-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on second, bunt to the third-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on third, squeeze bunt to the first-base side
• Reads the play behind secondRunner on third, squeeze bunt to the third-base side

More center fielder jobs

• Fields it and throws through the cutoffWhere does the center fielder throw on a single to center?
• Backs up the corner outfielderWhere does the center fielder go on a single to left or right?
• Runs it down with the corner outfielderWhat does the center fielder do on a ball in the gap?
• Backs up and calls the baseWhat does the center fielder do on a double down the line?
• Backs up the force at secondWhat does the center fielder do on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Covers secondWhat does the center fielder do on the wheel play?

The center fielder on every play · All positions