Single to left: bases empty

A single reaches left field. Organize the return throw to second base with the cutoff, coverage, and backups in position. This example uses a called relay; a strong on-line throw can go through.

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Bases empty1 out

Defense Runner / batter Ball

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Read the situation

One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.

Follow a position

The team’s job

Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.

One defined rotation for nine-player fastpitch. Follow your coach’s calls when your team uses a different system.

Why this rotation works

With no lead runner to stop, bring the ball back toward second and limit the batter’s advance.

The goal

Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.

Watch for these mistakes

Watching the ball instead of moving to your responsibility.
Sending the ball to an uncovered base instead of finding the SS cutoff.
Standing beside the receiver when your job is to back up beyond the throw.

Walk it through at practice

Set the runners and call the situation before contact. Have each defender name their job, then walk through the rotation together. Repeat with the ball live and stop at the receiving position to check the cutoff, coverage, and backup.

All nine responsibilities

Position responsibilities for Single to left: bases empty
Pitcher	Back up the throw to second. You’re the first backup.
Catcher	Cover home plate.
First base	Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
Second base	Cover second base. Call second base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
Shortstop	Get on the line from LF to second base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
Third base	Cover third base.
Left field	Field the single and throw toward second base through SS.
Center field	Back up the outfielder.
Right field	Be the second backup at second: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from left field.

Keep learning

Single to left: runner on firstView the rotation Single to left: runner on secondView the rotation Single to center: bases emptyView the rotation

Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch

Single to left: bases empty

Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.

Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.

How it works

Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.
React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.
Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to second base.
Finish the play. Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away.

Every position has a job

P · Pitcher

Back up the throw to second. You’re the first backup.

C · Catcher

Cover home plate.

1B · First base

Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.

2B · Second base

Cover second base. Call second base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.

SS · Shortstop

Get on the line from LF to second base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.

3B · Third base

Cover third base.

LF · Left field

Field the single and throw toward second base through SS.

CF · Center field

Back up the outfielder.

RF · Right field

Be the second backup at second: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from left field.

Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.

bravara.com/softball-plays/single-left-empty