What does the shortstop do on the wheel play?

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.

Runners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher (Wheel coverage) · Runners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side (Wheel coverage) · Runners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side (Wheel coverage)

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Get to 3B and straddle the bag, facing the fielder. Give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out at 3B. Stretch to the ball, never off the bag.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Check the lead runner, then get the ball to the pitcher.

Runner on second, bunt back to the pitcher (Wheel coverage) · Runner on second, bunt to the first-base side (Wheel coverage) · Runner on second, bunt to the third-base side (Wheel coverage): what changes

1. FieldThe pitch until the ball is fielded

   Rotate to 3B behind the crashing third baseman. Straddle the bag, facing the fielder — you keep the runner from taking third while the out is made at first.

2. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Make the tag if he tries for third anyway. Then check the runners and get the ball to the pitcher.

Who you work with

• 3BThird baseman crashes early
• CFCenter fielder comes all the way in to cover second
• CCatcher calls “Three!” or “One!”

Common mistakes

• Leaving early and tipping the play.

  Hold the runner close first. If you break for third before the pitch, the runner reads the wheel and the defense has given away its play.

• Reaching off the bag for the throw.

  With runners on first and second it is a force at third. Straddle the bag, give a target, and stretch to the ball without leaving it.

The plays

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

• Rotates to third, takes the forceRunners on first and second, bunt back to the pitcher (Wheel coverage)
• Rotates to third, takes the forceRunners on first and second, bunt to the first-base side (Wheel coverage)
• Rotates to third, takes the forceRunners on first and second, bunt to the third-base side (Wheel coverage)
• Rotates to cover thirdRunner on second, bunt back to the pitcher (Wheel coverage)
• Rotates to cover thirdRunner on second, bunt to the first-base side (Wheel coverage)
• Rotates to cover thirdRunner on second, bunt to the third-base side (Wheel coverage)

Test yourself

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

1. The Wheel: who covers third, and who covers second?

   1. A.The shortstop rotates to third; the center fielder comes in to second
   2. B.The left fielder comes in to third; the shortstop covers second
   3. C.The shortstop covers third; the second baseman covers second
   4. D.The third baseman stays home; the shortstop covers second
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The shortstop rotates to third; the center fielder comes in to second. The shortstop rotates to third; the center fielder comes all the way in to cover second.

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?
• Takes the force at secondWhat does the shortstop do on a bunt with a runner on first?

The shortstop on every play · All positions