Runner on first, bunt back to the pitcher

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. A bunt back to the pitcher dies in front of the mound. Before the pitch, the middle infielders settle who covers second on a comebacker, so the pitcher knows where he is turning before the ball is bunted.

Key questions

Who fields a bunt back to the pitcher with a runner on first?

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 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 he had to come a long way, the pitcher takes the sure out at first.

Who covers second base on a bunt back to the pitcher with a runner on first?

The shortstop. The middle infielders settle it before the pitch so the pitcher knows where he is turning, and the shortstop straddles the bag facing him to give a target.

Who covers first base on a bunt back to the pitcher 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.

What do the corners do on a bunt back to the pitcher with a runner on first?

They charge. The first baseman holds the runner, leaves as the pitch is released and takes the first-base side; the third baseman takes anything toward third. When the pitcher has it, both get out of his way and retreat to their bags.

What does the catcher do on a bunt back to the pitcher with a runner on first?

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

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 second · Every pitcher play

   Know before the pitch who is covering second, so you know where you’re turning. Attack the bunt the instant it’s down. 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

   Settle with the second baseman before the pitch who covers second on a comebacker. 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. 1B

   First baseman

   Holds the runner, then charges · Every first baseman play

   Hold the runner on and leave as the pitch is released, then charge and take everything on the first-base side. 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.

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. The pitcher has this one, so let him take it. 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 middle infielders settle who covers second on a comebacker — the pitcher has to know where he is turning before the ball is bunted.
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. 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.

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

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

   A. The force at second.

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

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

   B. Curveballs in the dirt to everyone. Jam a righty with a high strike; low and away to a lefty.

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Bunt defense: every situation · The full situation library

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