05-31-2008, 01:52 PM
A catcher must be able to anticipate multiple situations. One of these situations is fielding a bunt. There are several factors that must be taken into account before a hitter even steps into the box. The catcher must recognize the speed of the runner, the athlete on the mound, the condition of the playing surface, the game situation (tied, up, down, early in the game, late in the game), and eventually factor in the speed of the bunted baseball before deciding which base to throw to. The catcher must take charge of the defense.
A catcher should attempt to field all bunted balls. The entire field is in front of them and they can make a quick, early decision. If the ball is fielded down the first base line or towards the middle of the field, the catcher should take a direct line to the baseball, rake the ball in with both the hand and the mitt, set their feet, stay low and athletic, and make a strong throw to the intended base.
If a ball is bunted down the third base line the catcher has two forms of footwork. One method is to stay on the inside of the ball (opposite of the foul line), step over the ball, rake, spin the head and body, locate the base to throw to, plant your feet and make a strong and accurate throw. The other method is to round the baseball, staying on the outside (or near the foul line), rake, plant and throw. The coach must allow the catcher to be an athlete. The step-over technique is the most natural and recommended form of fielding bunts down the third base line. However, there are some individuals who have the ability to quickly round the ball, field it, and make a strong throw. A coach needs to be flexible. If the catcher can perform this skill they should be allowed to show off the athleticism, not be handcuffed into a method that most recommend.
Drills:
1.) Three Ball
Place one ball near the first base line, one up the middle, and one near the third base line. Catcher will assume their stance. Coach will stand behind and call out which ball to field. Catcher will attack the ball, field it, and make a strong and accurate throw to the correct base.
2.) Over the Shoulder Toss
Catcher will assume their stance. Coach will stand behind the catcher with a ball. The coach will toss the ball over the catcher’s shoulder. The catcher will field it and throw to a base. A variation can be used by telling the catcher that the runner has great speed and they must hurry. Also, the coach can throw it far enough that a throw to first would be late. The catcher will execute a full arm fake and throw out the lead runner who may have drifted off a base.
A catcher should attempt to field all bunted balls. The entire field is in front of them and they can make a quick, early decision. If the ball is fielded down the first base line or towards the middle of the field, the catcher should take a direct line to the baseball, rake the ball in with both the hand and the mitt, set their feet, stay low and athletic, and make a strong throw to the intended base.
If a ball is bunted down the third base line the catcher has two forms of footwork. One method is to stay on the inside of the ball (opposite of the foul line), step over the ball, rake, spin the head and body, locate the base to throw to, plant your feet and make a strong and accurate throw. The other method is to round the baseball, staying on the outside (or near the foul line), rake, plant and throw. The coach must allow the catcher to be an athlete. The step-over technique is the most natural and recommended form of fielding bunts down the third base line. However, there are some individuals who have the ability to quickly round the ball, field it, and make a strong throw. A coach needs to be flexible. If the catcher can perform this skill they should be allowed to show off the athleticism, not be handcuffed into a method that most recommend.
Drills:
1.) Three Ball
Place one ball near the first base line, one up the middle, and one near the third base line. Catcher will assume their stance. Coach will stand behind and call out which ball to field. Catcher will attack the ball, field it, and make a strong and accurate throw to the correct base.
2.) Over the Shoulder Toss
Catcher will assume their stance. Coach will stand behind the catcher with a ball. The coach will toss the ball over the catcher’s shoulder. The catcher will field it and throw to a base. A variation can be used by telling the catcher that the runner has great speed and they must hurry. Also, the coach can throw it far enough that a throw to first would be late. The catcher will execute a full arm fake and throw out the lead runner who may have drifted off a base.