have wondered about this for awhile. im not a middle infielder but was thinking is it best for the SS or 2B to straddle the bag on a steal attempt or be in front of the bag.

I always tell my MIF's to straddle the bag. This gives them a reference point for their tag (back foot). By being in front of the bag, your tag is slower.

One thing I preach is even when you straddle, you have to fight like heck to catch everything IN FRONT of the runner. So...if the ball is up the line, you have to work hard to get in front of the baseline.

Straddle the bag it will make your catcher very very happy.

As a catcher, I say in front. I'd say that if the IF knows how to let the ball travel if the throw is a seed on the bag. If he cuts it early, and makes his tag longer, than he might cost me the out.

However, being in front will prevent the bad hops eating infielders up and also when IF pick balls, it takes their glove upward and not directly to the runner. By getting it early and going back on a throw that would otherwise bounce, I think you save time.

Just my .02

How far in front are you talking about catch43? Against good basestealers you won't have that much time to catch and come back. The perfect way to do it is have the glove about 6 - 8 inches above the ground. Then the glove can come straight down in front of the bag where the runner will arrive.

I tell my guys to tag the bag to ensure they aren't chasing the runner with a swipe tag. Swipe tags are the worst thing to do. Instead have a stab tag with the glove. Down and out to sell it to the ump even if you may miss him.

As for the feet I'm not a big fan of the true straddle of the bag. What I want is a staggard straddle of the bag. The right foot stays where it would be on a true straddle but the left foot will be different. I want it to be dropped behind the bag on the other side of the runner. So it would be runner sliding into the bag and if he went over then he would hit the fielders left foot.

Reason being is it still allows you to put the glove in a stab tag position and you don't have to work as hard to clear the runner on an offline throw. Plus if the throw is high you are closer to a more natural "sprinting" stance to step forward on the bag to get a small help in the jump up.

I teach positioning yourself in front of the base, but catching and tagging deep. We let the ball travel (if it is online) and catch it over the base, outside of our left knee. Then we tag straight down and out.

Depends a bit on the MIF. Many set up in their straddle too deep and end up having to reach over the bag towards the runner to make the tag. Vice versa,setting up in front can put the MIF at risk to a degree.

Either way works as long as the ball is caught in front of the bag and the MIF can handle the short hop. If he can't handle the short hop, you have the wrong guy as a MIF.

I prefer the MIF towards the front side of the bag, straddle or not. No matter what, the MIF can't reach for the throw but rather must let the ball carry as deep as possible.

If the MIF straddles, tell him not to fall in love with the bag....see way too many catchable balls sail into the outfield because the MIF wouldn't move his feet to make the catch.

Alot of this depends on the positioning of the infield during the pitch...still amazes me how poorly some HS kids are taught positioning. If the MIF is late getting to the bag, it really just comes down to catching and tagging as fast as possible, anyway possible.

Instaed of worrying so much about the MIF positioning on the tag, I would watch how quick my pitchers deliver the ball to home. If the pitcher is slow, everything/everybody else is in catchup mode.

quote:

Originally posted by S. Abrams:
Alot of this depends on the positioning of the infield during the pitch...still amazes me how poorly some HS kids are taught positioning. If the MIF is late getting to the bag, it really just comes down to catching and tagging as fast as possible, anyway possible.

Agreed 100%. This has to come first IMO. Sprinting to the bag and getting under control early is so vital. It is equally important on DP balls. Just spent 45 minutes on this aspect alone with my MIF yesterday.

quote:

Originally posted by CatchingCoach05:
I teach positioning yourself in front of the base, but catching and tagging deep. We let the ball travel (if it is online) and catch it over the base, outside of our left knee. Then we tag straight down and out.

Agreed. To expand...

Straddling the base takes away the back corner from the runner, but locks you into the bag/base path should there be a bad throw up the line. We have kids start with their left foot on the front edge of the bag (pointing toward first base) in an athletic position. If its a good throw, they shift over the bag into a straddle position. (The ball moves faster when in the air, let it travel but don't let the runner knock it away!) If its a bad throw, don't shift over the bag and GO GET IT!!!

To practice this, we stand behind the mound and make throws to MIFs covering the bag from their positions. Make sure to practice good and bad throws and mix in runners once they get comfortable with the footwork.

If you are in the Northeast (or non-warm climate) like me, this is easily done in a batting cage as well, provided its full length cage. (Can do a video if requested.)

Being late shouldn't happen... But if it does, just be an athlete. Make the most of the play and try not to give up an extra base.