The job, step by step
The same on all 6 plays below.
- FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded
Get to 2B and straddle the bag, facing the fielder. Give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out at 2B. Stretch to the ball, never off the bag.
- AssessThe ball back in the infield
Check the lead runner, then get the ball to the pitcher.
Who you work with
- Catcher calls “Two!” or “One!”
- Second baseman covers first
- Center fielder backs up the throw to second
Common mistakes
- Getting to the bag late.
The play is decided by the batter showing bunt. A shortstop still at his position when the ball is fielded makes the fielder hold the ball or throw to an empty bag.
- Coming off the bag to catch a wide throw.
It is a force play: the out is your foot on the bag when you catch it. Stretch to the ball and keep your foot there.
The plays
Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt back to the pitcher (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt to the first-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
- Covers second for the forceRunner on first, bunt to the third-base side (Pitcher-to-third coverage)
More shortstop jobs
- Cutoff man to secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left or center with nobody on?
- Covers second and makes the callWhat does the shortstop do on a single to right field with nobody on?
- Cutoff man to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single with a runner on first?
- Relay manWhat does the shortstop do on a double to the left side?
- Trailer behind the relayWhat does the shortstop do on a double to the right side?
- Covers thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left with a runner on second?
- Covers secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to center or right with a runner on second?
- Rotates to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on the wheel play?