Defense – Steal Coverages

Defense - Steal Coverages

by American Sport Education Program
chapter from Coaching Softball Technical and Tactical Skills

STEAL COVERAGES
One of most common flaws in the infield is that little or no communication occurs before the pitch about which players are covering the bases for steals in various situations. You may use option A when the offense does plan A and use option B for coverage if the offense does plan B. Practicing and communicating these defensive steal coverages is extremely important for your team's overall trust and comfort during a game.

Steal Coverage at Second Base
The traditional way to cover second base on a steal is to have your shortstop take the throw at second from the catcher. You can position the shortstop more up the middle closer to the base. Note, however, that this positioning leaves the defense vulnerable to a right-handed pull hitter or a left-handed hitter who hits to the opposite field. In a slap defense you may want to have your shortstop closer to the 5-6 hole. In this case the second-base player covers the base on a steal.
Here are some standard second-base coverage responsibilities:

Runner on First With a Right-Handed Batter at the Plate
In this situation, if there are two strikes on the batter or two outs in the inning, the first- base player is positioned deeper to receive the throwback from the catcher. This positioning frees up the second-base player to cover on the steal. If the first-base player is playing in for a bunt, then the second-base player shifts over toward first base to hold the runner and be ready for the bunt coverage. This situation requires the shortstop to be the coverage for the steal at second.

Runner on First With a Left-Handed Slap Hitter at the Plate
A common way to defend the left-handed slap is to move the third-base player in a few steps and have the shortstop shift over toward the hole between third and short, commonly referred to as the 5-6 hole. The shortstop will be in the baseline for the short slap. The second-base player shifts over toward second slightly and just behind the base path. The second-base player becomes the primary receiver at second for a steal. In this defense, however, the second-base player may be vulnerable if the offense puts down a bunt to the first-base side of the field. You can also choose to have the first-base player appear to be in for the bunt but then retreat to first base to cover for all bunts. In this case the third-base player and pitcher have primary responsibility for bunt coverage.

Steal Coverage at Third Base
At third base, there are two ways to cover on a steal. Both require communication among all players involved in the play–the third-base player, the shortstop and the catcher. One coverage is for the shortstop to move a few steps in her ready position so that she can cover the base. This way of defending the steal at third is done when the third-base player needs to defend against the bunt. The shortstop shifts toward third to gain an advantage against the runner so that she has enough time to catch the ball on the run, turn her body and tag the runner out. The third-base player must make sure that she is out of the view of the catcher and shortstop so that she does not block the throw.

Another way to defend the steal of third is to have the third-base player drop back and cover the bag. This method is common with a middle-of-the-lineup batter, with two outs, with two strikes on the batter or with a large lead. Note, however, that some offenses use a fake bunt to decoy the third-base player to come in, which leaves third base wide open on the steal. When using this defense make sure that your pitcher has bunt coverage responsibilities on the third-base side to keep your coverage at third base solid.