Situation hub
Bunt coverage
Bunt coverage starts before the pitch. The defense needs a clear charge, a covered first base, a protected lead base, and a pitcher/catcher decision that does not leave the middle of the field empty.
When to use it
When to teach this family
- Use these plays when the offense may bunt with runners on base.
- Teach them before small-ball situations so corners, pitcher, catcher, and middle infielders know their rotations.
- Review them when two defenders field the bunt and nobody covers first.
Common mistakes
What to watch
- Both corner infielders charging without a plan for first base.
- Pitchers fielding the bunt and throwing late to an aggressive lead base.
- Catchers staying home on a bunt that needs immediate direction.
- Middle infielders watching the bunt instead of covering the vacated base.
5 plays
Concrete plays in this family
-
Bunt | 1st-base line
Bunt up the 1st-base line with runner on 2nd
The defense gets the sure out at first while protecting third if the runner tries to advance.
2B | 0 outs -
Bunt | In front of home
Bunt coverage with runner on 1st
Third base charges the bunt, the middle rotates behind it, and the defense gets the sure out at first.
1B | 0 outs -
Bunt | In front of home
Bunt coverage with runners on 1st and 2nd
The pitcher fields the bunt in front of the plate while third base stays home for the lead runner.
1B, 2B | 0 outs -
Bunt | In front of home
Bunt coverage with runner on 3rd, squeeze on
The defense reads the squeeze, gets the ball in front of home, and cuts down the runner before first base matters.
3B | 1 out -
Bunt | In front of home
Bunt coverage with bases empty, drag bunt
The corner crashes, the pitcher and middle infield rotate behind it, and the defense keeps the drag bunt from turning into a hit.
Bases empty | 0 outs