Covering First on a Bunt

A softball or baseball infield drill.
Purpose: To develop the proper footwork and technique when covering first on a bunt.

Equipment: First and second base, softballs, a bat and a glove

Procedure:

1. The player will start in her ready position the appropriate distance from the bag with a runner at first.
2. The coach is at home plate with a bat and will simulate a player bunting the ball.
3. When the bunt has hit the ground, the second baseman pivots and runs to first base, hitting the inside corner with her throwing hand foot and setting up for a stretch play.
4. She will not want to stretch too soon, but when the ball is almost to her glove.
5. This drill should be performed for a prescribed period of time or a designated number of repetitions.

Coaching Points:
# Emphasize getting to the bag quickly and stepping up correcting.
# Emphasize setting up on the front corner of the base.
# Emphasize not stretching too soon.

Variations:
# Practice receiving good throws.
# Practice receiving bad throws.

A softball or baseball infield drill.

University of South Dakota Women’s Softball: www.usdcoyotes.com/sports/softball/