Nobody on, bunt back to the pitcher

How the play works

With nobody on, the bunt defense is the Standard coverage: both corners charge, the second baseman covers first and the shortstop covers second. A bunt back to the pitcher dies in front of the mound, so he attacks it, listens for the catcher and throws to the second baseman on the bag.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

The pitcher. A bunt back to him dies in front of the mound, so he attacks it the instant it's down, fields it with two hands and listens for the catcher's call.

Where does the throw go on a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

To first base, chest high, to the inside of the bag. With nobody on there is no lead runner, so the sure out at first is the play.

Who covers first base on a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

The second baseman, as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. The first baseman charges, so the second baseman straddles the bag, takes the throw and makes the sure out.

What do the corners do on a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

Both charge hard: the first baseman takes anything on his side of the mound and the third baseman anything down the line. When the pitcher has it, they get out of his way and retreat to their bags.

What does the catcher do on a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

He fields the bunt if it's in front of the plate. Otherwise he makes the call, loud, early and once, points to first, "One!", then backs up the throw and returns to cover home.

Who backs up first base on a bunt back to the pitcher with nobody on?

The right fielder, 30 to 40 feet behind first on the throwing line. The left fielder does the same behind third, and the center fielder comes in behind second. See backing up.

Every position's job

Every fielder has a job on this play, even when the ball never comes near him.

1. P

   Pitcher

   Fields it and throws to first · Every pitcher play

   Attack the bunt the instant it’s down. Field it with two hands and listen for the catcher’s call. Throw to first, chest high, to the inside of the bag, and make the sure out. Then get off the base line, find the batter-runner and be ready to cover a base if the play goes on.

2. 2B

   Second baseman

   Covers first · Every second baseman play

   Cover first as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. Straddle the bag, take the throw and make the sure out. Then check the batter-runner and get the ball to the pitcher. If the first baseman doesn’t crash, hold your position and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

3. C

   Catcher

   Calls the base, covers home · Every catcher play

   Field the bunt if it’s in front of the plate. Otherwise make the call, loud, early and once: point and call the base, “One!” Then back up the throw, return to the plate and cover it.

4. 1B

   First baseman

   Charges, then retreats to first · Every first baseman play

   Charge hard and field anything on your side of the mound. The pitcher has this one, so get out of his way. Retreat to first if it’s open; the second baseman is there if you can’t get back.

5. 3B

   Third baseman

   Charges, then retreats to third · Every third baseman play

   Charge hard and field anything down the third-base line. The pitcher has this one, so let him make the throw to first. Get back to third as soon as the throw is made.

6. SS

   Shortstop

   Covers second · Every shortstop play

   Get to second and straddle the bag. You’re covering it for a redirected throw and to keep any runner from taking second for free. Stay on the bag until the ball is dead.

7. RF

   Right fielder

   Backs up first · Every right fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up first. Line up behind first on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

8. CF

   Center fielder

   Behind second, then the backdoor · Every center fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come straight in behind second, reading the play. If anything is thrown to second, you’re the backup. The moment the ball goes across the diamond to first, break toward left field: now you’re backing up a throw from first to second on a backdoor play. Hold your spot until the ball is dead, then jog back out.

9. LF

   Left fielder

   Backs up third · Every left fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up third. Line up behind third on the throwing line, 30 to 40 feet deep, and stop anything that gets through. Hold your spot until the ball is back in the infield, then return to your position.

Coaching points

1. Pre-pitch: the catcher or coach signals the alignment so every infielder knows the corners are crashing.
2. The read: the pitcher works up and away to make a clean bunt hard to drop. The moment the batter squares, 1B and 3B break for the plate at full speed.
3. Fielding priority: the catcher takes the ball right in front of the plate; the pitcher takes the ball down the middle, or the 3B line if the third baseman is tied up; the corners take everything down their own line.
4. With nobody on there is no lead runner to worry about: the whole defense exists to take the out at first, so every move is about getting the ball there fast and sure.

Test yourself

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

1. Nobody on, bunt: which coverage?

   1. A.Squeeze — everyone charges and the throw goes home
   2. B.Pitcher to 3B — the third baseman stays home
   3. C.The Wheel — the third baseman crashes before the pitch
   4. D.Standard — both corners crash and the out is at first
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. Standard — both corners crash and the out is at first. Standard only — both corners crash, second baseman covers first, shortstop covers second, the out is at first.

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Bunt defense: every situation · The full situation library

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