Where does the center fielder go on a single to left or right?

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

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Break at contact and sprint to back up the outfielder. Set up behind him on the ball’s line, deep enough to keep a miss off the wall.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   If the ball gets past the outfielder, it is yours — field it and hit the shortstop. Otherwise hold and watch the throw in.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Jog back toward your position, keeping an eye on the runners in case the ball comes back out.

Runner on second, single to left field · Runners on first and second, single to left field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   If the ball gets past the outfielder, it is yours — field it and hit the third baseman. Otherwise hold and watch the throw in.

Nobody on, single to right field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   If the ball gets past the outfielder, it is yours — field it and hit the second baseman. Otherwise hold and watch the throw in.

Runner on second, single to right field · Runners on first and second, single to right field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   If the ball gets past the outfielder, it is yours — field it and hit the first baseman. Otherwise hold and watch the throw in.

Who you work with

• LFLeft fielder fields a ball to left (the right fielder, a ball to right)
• SSShortstop is the cutoff man with nobody on (on a ball to left) or a runner on first
• 1BFirst baseman is the cutoff man for the throw home on a ball to right with a runner on second

Common mistakes

• Jogging over.

  A backup only helps if he is there before the ball is. Break at contact, even on a routine single.

• Backing up too shallow.

  Set up deep enough to keep a ball that skips past the corner outfielder from reaching the wall. Too shallow and it gets past both of you.

• Throwing to the wrong cutoff man.

  The cutoff changes with the runners and the side: the shortstop or the second baseman with nobody on, the shortstop with a runner on first, the third baseman or the first baseman with a runner on second. Know it before the pitch.

The plays

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

• Backs up the left fielderRunner on first, single to left field
• Backs up the left fielderNobody on, single to left field
• Backs up the left fielderRunner on second, single to left field
• Backs up the left fielderRunners on first and second, single to left field
• Backs up the right fielderNobody on, single to right field
• Backs up the right fielderRunner on first, single to right field
• Backs up the right fielderRunner on second, single to right field
• Backs up the right fielderRunners on first and second, single to right field

Test yourself

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

1. On a base hit, when do the outfielders break for their backup spots?

   1. A.At contact — drifting so they arrive as the play develops
   2. B.Once the ball has been fielded
   3. C.As soon as the throw is in the air
   4. D.After they see which base the runner is going to
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. After they see which base the runner is going to. At contact — drifting so they arrive as the play develops.

2. Nobody on, single to left or right. What do the other two outfielders do?

   1. A.The near one backs up the fielder; the far one backs up second
   2. B.The near one covers second; the far one backs up first
   3. C.Both come in to cover the empty bases
   4. D.Both stay where they are and watch the play
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The near one backs up the fielder; the far one backs up second. The far one breaks to back up second; the near one backs up the fielder.

More center fielder jobs

• Fields it and throws through the cutoffWhere does the center fielder throw on a single to center?
• 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?
• 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