The "fake" wheel play

Segment 5 in "trick or treat" month

The wheel play is a classic bunt defense where the shortstop, 2B rotate to their respective corners while the corners crash to field a bunted ball. The play is a very aggressive bunt defense designed to get the out at 3B. The way offenses are designed to defeat the wheel is by slashing out of it if they see it. This is an advanced offensive skill but it is done at times by certain teams.

The "fake" wheel is designed to give the offensive team the impression that the wheel is on but then retreat into a normal defensive position that is capable of fielding the routine ground ball and possibly turning two.

The play begins as a normal "wheel" play where the corner infielders start to run to their corners and the corner infielders start to crash in. However, they stop well short of completing their journey and retreat into a normal position. The batter notices rotation and potentially pulls the bat back to try and "slash" out of the play and into the "wheel defense." However, much to his surprise he slashes into a routine ground ball to an awaiting infielder.

This "trick" bunt defense was very successful against Florida St. as they were taught to slash out of the aggressive defenses. It's quite satisfying when it works to perfection.