★[Defense] Defensive Movements and Covering (Runner on 1st, Batted Ball to the Outfield)

This covers the responses and covering movements when a batted ball is hit to the 'near-standard position' of each defensive position.

<<Basic Concept>>
● The numbers for each position and their basic defensive positions are shown in the diagram below.
1 Pitcher (P) 2 Catcher (C)
3 First Baseman (1B) 4 Second Baseman (2B)
5 Third Baseman (3B) 6 Shortstop (SS)
7 Left Fielder (LF) 8 Center Fielder (CF)
9 Right Fielder (RF)

● All fielders must move in response to the batted ball.
There is no position that does nothing.
(Covering the batted ball, covering throws, covering bases)
● Do not perform covering for balls that are clearly foul. However,
always perform covering for balls that are on the edge of being fair or foul.

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We clarify the basic diagrams so that all players understand how to move for covering in each case, and repeatedly simulate them in practice (to the point where they can move unconsciously in games).
If even one of the nine players makes a different move here, it will lead to an open position (base) or a lack of coordination, so 'a state where everyone understands and can move according to the basic diagram' is a major point for the team.

However, it is okay to make different moves in a game depending on the situation (based on split-second judgment).

* With 2 outs, you only need to get the batter-runner out, so the movement is the same as when there are no runners.

This assumes the situation with 0 or 1 out.

The pre-positioning when there is a runner on 1st is...

* By case

🥎 Single to left (7→6, 7→6→5)

◉ Movements for each position

<<Priority>>
① Covering for the catch of the hit (ground ball)
② Covering for the throw to 3rd base
③ Covering for the throw to 2nd base

● Fielding a base hit (ground ball) ... 7
The top priority is not to let the ball get past you. Lower your hips and field it securely.
(Especially for balls hit directly at you, the chance of them going for 3rd base is low)
● Going to field the ball ... 5, 6
It is best if you can turn it into an infield grounder, but even just stopping it is effective.
(Reduces throwing/fielding actions, reducing the chance of errors)
5 moves to cover 3rd base after responding to the ball.
6 moves to act as a relay for 7's throw (in the direction of 3rd base, on the line of the throw) after responding to the ball.
● Covering for errors when fielding a left-field hit ... 8
Responding to the ball getting past. Move at full speed.
● Acting as a relay for a throw to 3rd base ... 6
Position yourself on the line connecting 7 and 3rd base. If the runner on 1st stops at 2nd base,
do not throw; run back to your infield position while holding the ball.
● Covering 3rd base ... 5
Covering 3rd base when the runner on 1st advances to 3rd.
● Covering for a wild throw when throwing to 3rd base ... 1
Responding to a throw to 3rd base; move to cover according to the angle of the throw.
● Covering 2nd base ... 4
Covering 2nd base when the batter-runner advances to 2nd or the runner on 1st returns to 2nd base.
If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to make a throw.

● Covering for a wild throw when throwing to 2nd base ... 9
Responding to a throw to 2nd base; move to cover according to the angle of the throw. If a rundown occurs, go to 2nd base and join the rundown.

● Covering 1st base ... 3
Covering 1st base when the batter-runner returns to 1st base. Stand in a position that does not obstruct the batter-runner's path (basically inside the base),
and do not leave the base even after they pass, to be ready for an overrun.
If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to make a throw.

● Covering home plate ... 2
Do not leave home plate and give instructions for relay plays. Check the overall movement and give necessary instructions.

🥎 Center field hit (8→6・4 8→6・4→4・6)

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
① Covering for fielding a base hit (ground ball)
② Covering for a throw to 3rd base
③ Covering for a throw to 2nd base

● Fielding a base hit (ground ball) ... 8
The top priority is not to let the ball get past you. Lower your hips and field it securely.
(Especially for balls hit directly at you, the chance of them going for 3rd base is low)
If the runner on 1st overruns 2nd base significantly, throw to 2nd base.
● Going to field the ball ... 4, 6
It is best if you can turn it into an infield grounder, but even just stopping it is effective.
(Reduces throwing/fielding actions, reducing the chance of errors)
4 moves to cover 2nd base after responding to the ball.
6 moves to act as a relay for 8's throw (in the direction of 3rd base, on the line of the throw) after responding to the ball.
● Covering for errors when fielding a center-field hit ... 7, 9
Responding to the ball getting past. Move at full speed.
However, if the ball is hit toward right-center, 7 should move to cover the throw to 3rd base.
(Because the coverage for a fielding error would be too far away)
● Acting as a relay for a throw to 3rd base ... 6
Position yourself on the line connecting 8 and 3rd base. If the runner on 1st stops at 2nd base,
do not throw; run back to your infield position while holding the ball.
● Covering 3rd base ... 5
Covering 3rd base when the runner on 1st advances to 3rd.
● Covering for a wild throw when throwing to 3rd base ... 1
Responding to a throw to 3rd base; move to cover according to the angle of the throw.
● Covering 2nd base ... 4
Covering 2nd base when the batter-runner advances to 2nd or the runner on 1st returns to 2nd base.
If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to make a throw.

● Covering 1st base ... 3
Covering 1st base when the batter-runner returns to 1st base. Stand in a position that does not obstruct the batter-runner's path (basically inside the base),
and do not leave the base even after they pass, to be ready for an overrun.
If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to make a throw.

● Covering home plate ... 2
Do not leave home plate and give instructions for relay plays. Check the overall movement and give necessary instructions.

🥎 Right field hit (9→4 9→4→5)

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
① Covering for fielding a base hit (ground ball)
② Covering for a throw to 3rd base
③ Relay play for a throw to 3rd base

● Catching a hit (ground ball) ... 9
Move forward aggressively to catch the ball and prepare to throw to 3rd base.
(Do not drop your hips to catch securely; if the ball gets past you, leave it to 8)
If it is a strong ball hit directly at you, aim for a putout at 1st base. (Do not make a forced throw)
If the runner on 1st overruns 2nd base significantly, throw to 2nd base.
(Throw to whichever of 4 or 6 is closer to 2nd base)
● Go to field the ball ... 3, 4
It is best if you can turn it into an infield ground out, but even just stopping it is effective.
(Reduces throwing/catching actions, reducing the possibility of errors)
After handling the ball, 3 covers 1st base. There is a possibility of getting an out at 1st base, so cover with full effort.
After handling the ball, 4 enters the relay for 9's throw (toward 3rd base). However, if 9 is moving forward and the distance between 4 and 9 is short (and if 6 is in a position to relay at a sufficient distance), 4 covers 2nd base.

● Covering for errors when catching a right-field hit ... 8

Handling balls that get past the fielder. Enter with full effort. 9 prioritizes throwing over catching and moves forward to catch, so the risk of the ball getting past is higher than usual.● Enter the relay for a throw to 3rd base ... 6 (and 4)

Position yourself on the line connecting 9 and 3rd base. Basically, 6 cuts, but for long-distance relays, 4 cuts to 6.
If the runner on 1st stops at 2nd base, do not throw and stop the play there.
● 3rd base cover ... 5

Cover 3rd base when the runner on 1st advances to 3rd.
Since it will be a long-distance relay play, adjust the cut-man's position and give instructions on whether to cut or not.
● Covering for wild throws when throwing to 3rd base ... 7, 1
1 runs toward 1st base (because the ball is hit to the right), but once it is clear the ball has passed, respond to the 3rd base throw and cover according to the angle of the throw.
7 enters with full effort because 1's cover will be slightly delayed.
● 2nd base cover ... 4
If not entering the relay play for a throw to 3rd base, cover 2nd base.
If the runner's overrun is large, call for the ball to be thrown.
● 1st base cover ... 3

Cover 1st base when the batter-runner returns to 1st base.
Stand in a position that does not obstruct the batter-runner's path (basically inside the base),
and do not leave the base even after they pass, to respond to overruns. If the runner's overrun is large, call for the ball to be thrown.
● Home plate cover ... 2

Do not leave home plate and give instructions for the relay play.
Confirm the overall movement and give necessary instructions.

🥎 Left-field double (7→6, 7→6→2)

※ Since preventing the runner on 1st from scoring at home is the biggest point,
take the relay play for the throw to home.
Depending on the runner's movement, respond to a throw to 3rd base.

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
① Covering for catching a hit
② Covering for a throw to home
③ Covering for a throw to 2nd/3rd base

● Catching a hit (ground ball) ... 7
Be careful of how the cushion ball bounces and avoid letting it get past you.
● Go to field the ball → 3rd base cover ... 5
It is best if you can turn it into an infield ground out, but even just stopping it is effective.
(Reduces throwing/catching actions, reducing the possibility of errors)
After handling the ball, cover 3rd base.
In some cases, enter the relay (behind 6, as the second person).
At this time, 6 cannot see the runner's movement, so convey instructions on where to throw.
(Home, 3rd, or 2nd base)
● Covering for errors when catching a left-field hit ... 8
Handling balls that get past the fielder. Enter with full effort. (Because you can also see the runner's movement)
Give instructions to 7 on where to throw after handling the ball.
● Relay for a throw to 3rd base ... 6
Position yourself on the straight line between the fielder 7 and home (3rd) base and wait for the throw.
(Even in the case of a throwing error,
if you are on the straight line, the ball will go toward home (3rd) base)
● 2nd base cover ... 4
Cover 2nd base for a throw to 2nd base.
If the runner's overrun is large, call for the ball to be thrown.
● 1st base cover → 2nd base covering ... 3
Cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes 1st base.
(Check if they stepped on the base) After passing, cover 2nd base.
Move toward 2nd base with the image of following behind the batter-runner.
● Covering for wild throws when throwing to 2nd base ... 9
Cover according to the angle of the throw.
To avoid letting the ball get past, drop your hips and catch securely (if you miss it, there is a possibility of giving up a run).
● Covering for wild throws when throwing from 3rd to home ... 1
When the ball is hit, go to cover the throw to 3rd base, but if it is clear it will be an extra-base hit,
change to cover the throw to home and cover according to the angle of the throw.
Be careful not to collide with the runner (not to obstruct the path). Also,
be careful not to be too close to the catcher (to be able to respond to wild throws).
● Home plate cover ... 2
If the ball is a double or more, do not leave home plate.
Judge whether to throw to home or 3rd base (or 2nd base) and give instructions for the relay play.

🥎 Left-center double (7 or 8 → 6, 7 or 8 → 6 → 2)

※ Preventing the runner on 1st from scoring at home is the most important point, but depending on the hit,
there are cases where you give up on preventing the runner on 1st from scoring at home and switch to a throw to 3rd base to prevent the batter-runner from advancing to 3rd.
Since quick judgment and formation are required, it is important for everyone, including other fielders and bench players, to call out to each other based on the catcher's instructions.

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
① Covering for catching a hit
② Covering for a throw to home
③ Covering for a throw to 2nd/3rd base

● Catching the hit ... 7 or 8
If you cannot reach the ball in time, you will be fielding a cushion ball, so be careful of how it bounces off the wall.
The player not fielding the ball should move to cover for potential fumbles.
After catching, make a quick, strong throw to the relay player.
Since you are fielding the ball while facing away, throw to the instructed target.

● Relay for home throw ... 6, 4
Get on the straight line between the fielder (7 or 8) and home plate and wait for the throw. (Even in the case of a throwing error, if you are on the straight line, the ball will go toward home plate)
Basically, 6 catches the throw and throws to home plate alone.
Since the distance for 4 to relay the home throw is long, 4 should act as cover for 6.
However, do not get too close. (Maintain a distance of about 10m from 6)

● 1st base cover -> 2nd base covering ... 3

Cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes it. (Confirm if they stepped on the base.) After they pass, cover 2nd base. Move toward 2nd base with the image of following behind the batter-runner.

● Covering for wild throws when throwing to 2nd ... 9
Move into position to cover based on the angle of the throw. Since it is far, get as close as possible.
● 3rd base cover ... 5
If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave 3rd base.
Position yourself to handle loose balls if the relay is messy, but do not move too far from 3rd base. (The batter-runner may aim to advance to 3rd base.)

● Covering for wild throws when throwing from 3rd to home ... 1
When the ball is hit, go to cover the 3rd base throw, but if it becomes clear it will be an extra-base hit,
change to cover the home throw and move into position based on the angle of the throw. Be careful not to collide with the runner (do not obstruct the base path). Also,
be careful not to get too close to the catcher (so you can handle wild throws).

● Home plate cover ... 2

If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave home plate. Judge whether to throw to home or 3rd (or 2nd) and give instructions for the relay play. (Target for throw, correction of relay position, cut or no-cut)

🥎 Right-center double (8 or 9 -> 4, 8 or 9 -> 4 -> 2)

* The most important point is not to let the runner on 1st score at home, but depending on the hit,
sometimes you may give up on preventing the runner on 1st from scoring and switch to a throw to 3rd
to prevent the batter-runner from advancing to 3rd.
Since quick judgment and formation are required, it is important for everyone, including other fielders and bench players,
to communicate with each other based on the catcher's instructions.

◉ Movement of each position

<< Priority >>
1. Covering for catching the hit
2. Covering for the throw to home
3. Covering for throws to 2nd and 3rd

● Catching the hit ... 8 or 9
If you cannot reach the ball in time, you will be fielding a cushion ball, so be careful of how it bounces off the wall.
The player not fielding the ball should move to cover for potential fumbles.
After catching, make a quick, strong throw to the relay player.
Since you are fielding the ball while facing away, throw to the instructed target.

● Relay for home throw ... 4, 3
Get on the straight line between the fielder (8 or 9) and home plate and wait for the throw. (Even in the case of a throwing error, if you are on the straight line, the ball will go toward home plate)
Basically, 4 catches the throw and throws to home plate alone.
Since the distance for 3 to relay the home throw is long, 3 should act as cover for 4.
However, do not get too close. (Maintain a distance of about 10m from 4)

● 1st base cover ... 3

Cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes it. (Confirm if they stepped on the base.) After they pass, move immediately to join the relay for the home throw.

● 2nd base cover ... 6

Move to cover 2nd base to handle throws to 2nd. If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to be thrown.
● 3rd base cover ... 5
If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave 3rd base.
● Covering for wild throws when throwing to 3rd ... 7
Move into position to cover based on the angle of the throw. Since it is far, go at full speed.
● Covering for wild throws when throwing from 3rd to home ... 1
When the ball is hit, go to cover the 3rd base throw, but if it becomes clear it will be an extra-base hit,
change to cover the home throw and move into position based on the angle of the throw. Be careful not to collide with the runner (do not obstruct the base path). Also,
be careful not to get too close to the catcher (so you can handle wild throws).

● Home plate cover ... 2

If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave home plate. Judge whether to throw to home or 3rd (or 2nd) and give instructions for the relay play. (Target for throw, correction of relay position, cut or no-cut)

🥎 Right-line double (9 -> 4, 9 -> 4 -> 2)

* Since the biggest point is to prevent the runner on 1st from scoring at home,
we will perform a relay play for the throw to home.
Depending on the runner's movement, we will respond with a throw to 3rd.

◉ Movement of each position

<< Priority >>
1. Covering for catching the hit
2. Covering for the throw to home
3. Covering for throws to 2nd and 3rd

● Catching a base hit (ground ball) ... 9
Pay attention to how the ball bounces off the cushion and avoid letting it get past you.
● Go to field the ball -> Cover 1st base -> Relay to home plate ... 3
It is best if you can turn it into an infield grounder, but even just stopping it is effective.
(Reduces throwing/catching actions, reducing the possibility of errors)
After responding to the ball, cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes it.
(Check if they stepped on the base?) After they pass, join the relay to home plate.
● Covering for errors when catching a right-field hit ... 8
Respond to the ball getting past. Go in at full speed.
● Relay to home plate throw ... 4/3
Get on the straight line between the fielder who caught it (9) and home plate, and wait for the throw.
(Even in the case of a throwing error,
if you are on the straight line, the ball will go toward home plate)
Since the distance for 3 to relay the throw to home is long, think of it as covering for 4.
However, do not get too close. (Keep a distance of about 10m from 4)
If the play switches to a throw to 3rd base,
move to the straight line between the fielder who caught it (9) and 3rd base, and wait for the throw.
● Cover 2nd base ... 6
Move to cover 2nd base for a potential throw to 2nd.
If the runner overruns significantly, call for the ball to make a throw.
If the play switches to a throw to 3rd base,
move to the straight line between the fielder who caught it (9) and 3rd base, and wait for the throw.
● Cover 3rd base ... 5
If the ball is a double or more, do not leave 3rd base.
● Covering for a wild throw to 3rd base ... 7
Move to cover according to the angle of the throw. It is far, so go in at full speed.
● Covering for a wild throw during a 3rd to home plate relay ... 1
Since the ball is hit to the right, go to cover 1st base, but
if it is clear it will be an extra-base hit, change to covering the home plate throw
and move to cover according to the angle of the throw.
Be careful not to get too close to the catcher (so you can respond to a wild throw).
● Cover home plate ... 2
If the ball is a double or more, do not leave home plate.
Judge whether to throw to home or 3rd (or 2nd) and give instructions for the relay play.
● Cover home plate ... 2
If the ball is a double or more, do not leave home plate.
Give instructions for the relay play. Check the overall movement and give necessary instructions.
(Correction of throw destination/relay position, cut or no-cut)

🥎 Left-center triple (7 or 8 -> 6, 7 or 8 -> 6 -> 5)

* If the ball is hit deep into the left-center gap, there is a high possibility that a throw to home will not be in time,
so switch to a formation that prevents the batter-runner from advancing to 3rd base.

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
1. Covering for catching a base hit
2. Covering for a throw to 3rd base
3. Covering for a throw to 2nd base

● Catch a base hit ... 7 or 8
If you cannot reach the ball in time, you will be catching the ball off the cushion,
so pay attention to how the cushion bounces and the rebound.
If you are not fielding the ball, move to cover for fumbles, etc.
(Basically, 9 is in a better position to catch and throw smoothly)
After catching, make a quick and strong throw to the relay.
Since you are fielding the ball while facing backward, throw to the instructed destination.
● Relay to 3rd base throw ... 6/4
Get on the straight line between the fielder who caught it (7 or 8) and 3rd base, and wait for the throw.
(Even in the case of a throwing error,
if you are on the straight line, the ball will go toward 3rd base)
If 6 seems capable of making the throw alone, 4 should
(instead of joining the relay) move closer to 6 to cover the catch.
● Cover 1st base -> Cover 2nd base ... 3
Cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes it.
(Check if they stepped on the base?) After they pass, cover 2nd base.
Move toward 2nd base with the image of following behind the batter-runner.
● Covering for a wild throw to 2nd base ... 9
Move to cover according to the angle of the throw. It is far, so get as close as possible.
● Cover 3rd base ... 5
If the ball is a double or more, do not leave 3rd base.
Since it will be a long-distance relay play, correct the cut-man's position and
give instructions for cut or no-cut.● Covering for a wild throw to 3rd base ... 1
● Cover home plate ... 2

If the ball is a double or more, do not leave home plate. Judge whether to throw to home or 3rd (or 2nd) and give instructions for the relay play.

🥎 Right-center triple (8 or 9 -> 4, 8 or 9 -> 4 -> 6 -> 5)

* If the ball is hit deep into the right-center gap, there is a high possibility that a throw to home will not be in time,
so switch to a formation that prevents the batter-runner from advancing to 3rd base.

◉ Movement of each position

≪Priority≫
1. Covering for catching a base hit
2. Covering for a throw to 3rd base
3. Covering for a throw to 2nd base

● Catching the hit ... 8 or 9
If you cannot reach the ball in time, you will be fielding a cushion ball, so pay attention to how the ball bounces off the wall.
If you are not handling the batted ball, move to cover for potential fumbles.
After catching, make a quick, strong throw to the relay man.
Since you are fielding the ball while facing away from the infield, throw to the target as instructed.

● Relay for the throw to 3rd base ... 4, 6
Get into a straight line between the fielder (8 or 9) who caught the ball and 3rd base, and wait for the throw. (Even in the case of a throwing error, if you are in a straight line, the ball will go toward 3rd base.)
Basically, because of the distance, two players (4 and 6) will relay the throw to 3rd base.

● 1st base cover -> 2nd base covering ... 3

Cover 1st base until the batter-runner passes it. (Confirm if they stepped on the base.) After they pass, cover 2nd base. Move toward 2nd base with the image of following behind the batter-runner.
(Always get into position, as there may be a rundown between 2nd and 3rd base.)

● 3rd base cover ... 5
If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave 3rd base.
Since it will be a long-distance relay play, adjust the position of the cut-off man and give instructions to cut or let it go.
● Covering for a wild throw to 3rd base ... 7

Move into position to cover based on the angle of the throw. It is far, so move at full speed.
● Covering for a wild throw to 3rd base ... 1 Move into position to cover based on the angle of the throw.

● Home plate cover ... 2
If the ball is hit for a double or more, do not leave home plate.
Judge whether the throw should go to home, 3rd base, or 2nd base, and give instructions for the relay play.

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