What does the center fielder do on a bunt with a runner on first?

The job, step by step

The same on all 6 plays below.

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come straight in behind second, reading the play. A throw to 2B for the force is yours to back up. Line up behind 2B on the throwing line, 30–40 feet deep. Stop anything that gets through.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   If the ball goes across the diamond to first instead, 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 return to position.

Who you work with

• SSShortstop takes the force at second
• CCatcher calls “Two!” or “One!”
• 2BSecond baseman covers first

Common mistakes

• Lining up behind the bag instead of the throw.

  Get on the line the throw will travel, not just behind second. A ball that gets through follows that line.

• Getting too close.

  Thirty to forty feet deep gives you time to react to a ball that kicks off the shortstop’s glove.

The plays

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

• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher
• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side
• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side
• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
• Backs up secondRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)

Test yourself

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

1. What do the three outfielders do on every bunt?

   1. A.Left behind second, center behind third, right behind first
   2. B.All three charge in toward the infield to field it
   3. C.Left behind third, right behind first, center behind second
   4. D.Stay at normal depth in case the batter slashes
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. Stay at normal depth in case the batter slashes. Left fielder comes in behind third, right fielder behind first, center fielder behind second — all three go when the batter shows bunt.

2. The hitter shows bunt. When do the outfielders go?

   1. A.Right away — the moment the batter squares
   2. B.When the ball is bunted on the ground
   3. C.As the pitch crosses the plate
   4. D.After an infielder has fielded the ball
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. When the ball is bunted on the ground. Right away — all three break for their backup spots the moment the batter squares. With a runner on first, the right fielder’s spot behind first also covers a backdoor throw from the catcher on a missed bunt.

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 second, then the backdoorWhere does the center fielder go on a bunt?
• Covers secondWhat does the center fielder do on the wheel play?

The center fielder on every play · All positions