Runner on first, bunt to the first-base side

How the play works

This is the Standard bunt coverage with a runner on first: the corners charge, the shortstop covers second and the second baseman covers first. Before the pitch, the first baseman tells the pitcher whether he is charging or holding, which decides who has the first-base side. Here the first baseman fields it and throws where the catcher calls: "Two!" for the force, "One!" for the sure out.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

The first baseman. He attacks the bunt the instant the batter shows bunt, fields it with two hands and listens for the catcher's call. Before the pitch he tells the pitcher whether he is charging or holding.

Where does the throw go on a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

To second for the force on the lead runner, chest high to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or the first baseman had to come a long way, he takes the sure out at first.

Who covers second base on a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

The shortstop. He straddles the bag facing the fielder, takes the throw and makes the sure force out, stretching to the ball but never off the bag.

Who covers first base on a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

The second baseman, as soon as the first baseman crashes or the bunt is down. He straddles the bag for a throw to first and expects the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far.

Who calls the base on a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

The catcher. He fields anything in front of the plate; otherwise he points and calls the base, "Two!" or "One!", loud, early and once, then backs up the throw.

Who backs up second base on a bunt to the first-base side with a runner on first?

The center fielder, 30 to 40 feet behind second on the throwing line. The right fielder backs up first and the left fielder backs up third, and all three break the moment the batter shows bunt. See backing up.

Every position's job

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

1. 1B

   First baseman

   Fields it and throws to second · Every first baseman play

   Before the pitch, tell the pitcher whether you’re charging or holding. Attack the bunt the instant the batter shows bunt. Field it with two hands and listen for the catcher’s call, “Two!” or “One!” Throw to second for the force on the lead runner, chest high, to the inside of the bag. If the ball was bunted softly or you had to come a long way, take the sure out at first instead. After the throw, get off the base line, find the lead runner and be ready to cover a base if the play goes on.

2. SS

   Shortstop

   Covers second for the force · Every shortstop play

   Get to second and straddle the bag, facing the fielder, to give him a target. Take the throw and make the sure force out. Stretch to the ball, never off the bag. Then check the lead runner and get the ball to the pitcher.

3. 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 for a throw if the out is at first, and expect the backdoor throw if the batter-runner rounds too far. Stay on the bag until the ball is back to the pitcher, and make the tag if the throw comes. If the first baseman doesn’t crash, hold your position and keep the batter-runner from taking second.

4. C

   Catcher

   Calls the base · 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, “Two!” for the force or “One!” for the sure out. Then back up the throw, return to the plate and cover it, and watch the lead runner.

5. P

   Pitcher

   Takes the middle · Every pitcher play

   Come off the mound the instant the bunt is down. The first baseman has the first-base side, so field it only if it’s yours; if you do, throw to second. If it isn’t, get out of the fielder’s way. Afterward, get the ball back and get on the rubber.

6. 3B

   Third baseman

   Charges, then covers third · Every third baseman play

   Charge when the batter squares and field anything bunted toward third, throwing to second if it’s yours. If the pitcher fields it, let him. Then retreat to third and cover it.

7. CF

   Center fielder

   Backs up second · Every center fielder play

   Break the moment the batter shows bunt and come in to back up second. Line up behind second 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. 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.

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. Before the pitch, the first baseman tells the pitcher whether he is charging or holding — it decides who has the 1B side.
2. A bunt defense is decided before the pitch: everyone knows who crashes, who covers and who calls. The ball only tells you which of the three fielders picks it up.
3. The force on the lead runner at second is the primary play. First base is the fallback: a ball bunted softly, or a fielder who has to come a long way, takes the sure out there.

Test yourself

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

1. Runner on first, bunt. What is the first look?

   1. A.The force at second
   2. B.The runner, to look him back to first
   3. C.The sure out at first
   4. D.Third base, ahead of the runner
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. The force at second.

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

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

   D. Left behind third, right behind first, center behind second. Left fielder comes in behind third, right fielder behind first, center fielder behind second — all three go when the batter shows bunt.

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

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

   B. Right away — the moment the batter squares. 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.

4. Sacrifice bunt coming, runner on first. Where do you pitch?

   1. A.Curveballs in the dirt to everyone
   2. B.Jam a righty up; low and away to a lefty
   3. C.Down the middle so he can’t miss it
   4. D.Low and away to a righty; jam a lefty
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. Jam a righty up; low and away to a lefty. Jam a righty with a high strike; low and away to a lefty.

5. Hard bunt right at you, runner on first. Where’s the throw?

   1. A.Second, for the double play
   2. B.Third, ahead of the runner
   3. C.First — take the sure out
   4. D.Hold it — there’s no play
   Show the answerHide the answer

   A. Second, for the double play. Second, for the double play — get it, quick leg under, throw.

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