Ball through SS 3b gap

[Mr. Burns]

It seems like too many ground balls are going through the gap between my short stop and third baseman (this is a first year 14u team). Other than getting better players, does anyone have any suggestions? In a normal non bunt situation, out third baseman usually plays about four or five feet in front of the bag and about the same in. I was wondering if moving her up, would shrink the width at the top of that triangle(if you gather what I'm saying) and give her less ground to cover. Where do you play third baseman in non bunt sitations at this age?

[Phantom]

teach your 3rd basemen side movement

[hotwheels]

It seems like too many ground balls are going through the gap between my short stop and third baseman (this is a first year 14u team). Other than getting better players, does anyone have any suggestions? In a normal non bunt situation, out third baseman usually plays about four or five feet in front of the bag and about the same in. I was wondering if moving her up, would shrink the width at the top of that triangle(if you gather what I'm saying) and give her less ground to cover. Where do you play third baseman in non bunt sitations at this age?

In a non-bunt situation we play our 3rd baseman about 3 steps up and 2 steps off the line......A hard hit ball is still going to get through....Biggest thing is that you need a shortstop with GREAT range.....Most 3rd baseman will only have time to give you one big step or dive towards 2nd.....Just based on a quick hit situation.......A high chopper would be different and your 3rd baseman needs to get on her horse and unhitch the trailer and make the play......If she can't do it then you need to find someone who will......

The problem with this set up is that you leave yourself open to the bunt in a non-bunt situation or to a shot down the line.......Pick your poison but both short and 3rd need to be athletic!!!

I see a lot of 3rd basemen on teams that can't move side to side at all........Unfortunately, some can't move forward and backward either......

[SnocatzDad]

Get a faster pitcher so that the batters aren't getting around on her all the time and driving it at your left side. Then you can come back and ask how to cut down on hits going between your 1B and 2B.

[Mr. Burns]

Get a faster pitcher so that the batters aren't getting around on her all the time and driving it at your left side. Then you can come back and ask how to cut down on hits going between your 1B and 2B.

If only wishing could make it so.

[Phantom]

I see a lot of 3rd basemen on teams that can't move side to side at all........Unfortunately, some can't move forward and backward either......

A HUGE problem I have been seeing lately

[SnocatzDad]

Reality is that there is no place in this game to hide slow kids except DP and pitcher. Can't put them in the outfield, they'll cost you two bases with every mistake. Can't put them as middle infielders, no range. Can't put at third, won't cover bunts fast enough. Even at 1B how many foul pop-ups are you going to see missed because 1B is clocked with a sun dial. At catcher I'd hesitate to have my on field captain incapable of recovering a passed ball before a runner can steal two bases.

If a pitcher is a slow runner/poor fielder, but great pitcher you can get by, and if your DP can put them over the fence, she can take all the time she wants running the bases.

[hotwheels]

Reality is that there is no place in this game to hide slow kids except DP and pitcher. Can't put them in the outfield, they'll cost you two bases with every mistake. Can't put them as middle infielders, no range. Can't put at third, won't cover bunts fast enough. Even at 1B how many foul pop-ups are you going to see missed because 1B is clocked with a sun dial. At catcher I'd hesitate to have my on field captain incapable of recovering a passed ball before a runner can steal two bases.

If a pitcher is a slow runner/poor fielder, but great pitcher you can get by, and if your DP can put them over the fence, she can take all the time she wants running the bases.

I agree with you but you are totally wrong.....Go to any 12U or 14U game in So Cal and I will show you an Army of girls who can't play 1st base that ARE playing 1st base......Slow players, out of shape players, ALL PITCHERS AND COACHES DAUGHTERS also play first base, you know that!......I always thought those rules were in the travel manual.......

Especially in the 12U and first year 14U's.......Coaches continue to hide a bad defensive player there and a lot of US get away with it....#1 rule in travel is what?????........If you can hit I'll find a spot for you........

[Trophy Hunter]

Since you asked for advice aside from "better players"...

If you move 3B up to decrease the angle, she better be fearless, and have lightning reflexes.

You could try moving 3b back to give her more time to get to the ball. The downside is she will likely get bunted on, over and over, until you move her back up.

You can also cheat the shortstop to the hole by having her read the pitch and location from the catcher.... she has to be inconspicuous about shifting over though, or the batter will read her move and expect an inside pitch.

You can also try pitching outside more to RH hitters. This will lead to more hits going between 1b and 2b, but at least it's a shorter and easier throw compared to the SS deep in the hole.

And if the problem continues... get better players!

[blackwidow]

The downside is she will likely get bunted on, over and over, until you move her back up.
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Only if you're facing a team that has the ability to get the bunt down over and over.

The ability to bunt consistently is a skill that is sorely lacking IMHO