Bunt coverage

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.

Starting look Starting spots Start with bases empty, 0 outs, and the defense in its ready spots before the bunt to in front of home.

Coaching point

Get the ball off the grass quickly and cover first before the hitter arrives.

  • Bunt coverage
  • Bunt

Player jobs

Every defender's assignment

Teach the simple version first, then run the steps again until each player can say the job out loud.

P Pitcher

Read the bunt early, charge if it is yours, and cover the priority base if another defender fields it.

C Catcher

Call the bunt coverage early and keep the plate organized.

1B First Base

Charge or recover to first based on who fields the bunt.

2B Second Base

Rotate to first or protect the middle when the corners move in.

SS Shortstop

Fill the open middle or third-base responsibility behind the bunt.

3B Third Base

Charge only when the coverage allows it; otherwise keep third protected for the lead runner.

LF Left Field

Back up third whenever the lead runner can advance there.

CF Center Field

Stay centered so the outfield remains balanced behind the bunt.

RF Right Field

Back up the first-base side on any throw across the infield.