A bunt defense focused on trail runner.

Bunt defenses are designed to be executed against 1st and 2nd scenarios. The most aggressive ones try and record the out at 3B while the more passive ones take the out at 1B. Why not try and put a defense on that records the out at 2B?

The very aggressive bunt defense occurs when the tying or go ahead run is at 1B. So, maybe it's a 2-0 game or a 4-2 game. Either way, the trail runner is the runner that needs to advance into scoring position to make the play really viable for the offense. If this weren't true, they would have bunted when the first runner reached base.

Most aggressive bunt defenses either try and confuse the lead runner by driving him back to 2nd base or they try and attack from every angle making the out at 3B more likely with so many defenders in the vicinity of the bunted ball.

What about this play?

Give the lead runner 3B. Don't worry about him. In a 2-0 game they can have the 1st run at 3B. But, rather take the tying run away by preventing it from getting into scoring position. How are we going to do this?

The 1B does not hold the runner on. He wouldn't normally hold him on anyway. So, by cheating in there isn't much out of the norm here. The 3B also cheats in a little bit but nothing that would prompt the lead runner to think stolen base. Only so much where he has a head start. The shortstop could even cheat over to the 6 hole to prevent the lead runner from having any ideas. The shortstop will have 3B responsibility when the 3B charges.

The play begins with the timing between the pitcher and the 1B. The 1B runs back to the bag demanding the ball. The runner will hopefully shuffle back to 1B. The 1B will then anchor down the base. The 2B will cover the 2nd base bag. The shortstop covers third.

The play is predicated upon the pitcher hustling over to the 1B side and fielding everything he can while the 3B crashes hard trying to get what he can. The out is to be made at 2B.

So many bunt defenses become predictable with the lead runner. Well coached teams understand what defenses are trying to do. Yet, few teams try and attack the trail runner. Maybe it's because the throw is longer. Maybe it's because they want to be assured of at least an out and are uncomfortable with the pitcher covering so much ground while the 1B holds. But, more likely it's because it's outside the box thinking.

By the way, this play works wonders. It's an easier throw for the aggressive 3B to throw to 2B than spinning and finding a moving target at 3B.

This is a very astute aggressive bunt defense.

One caveat- your pitcher better be somewhat athletic.