Corner Infield Plays
Also known as: first and third base defense, bunt defense corners
Corner infield plays are the defensive assignments and positioning of the first and third basemen when the short game is in play — charging bunts, reading the hitter's slap, and executing the correct throw to the right base.
The first and third basemen in fast-pitch face unique pressure when a slapper or bunter is at the plate. They must read the hitter's footwork and bat position early to determine whether to crash in or hold their position, then react to the ball quickly enough to field it and make the correct throw under time pressure. Playing corners correctly against a slap-and-bunt team requires anticipation, pre-game scouting, and clear defensive assignments that account for runner position and game situation.
Example
With a runner on first, the third baseman crashes on the drag bunt, fields it, and fires to second for the force — rather than taking the easy out at first.
Related terms
- Pitcher's Fielding PracticePitcher's fielding practice (PFP) is a dedicated drill set training pitchers to execute defensive plays — covering first base, fielding bunts, handling comebacker grounders, and backing up bases.
- First-and-Third DefenseFirst-and-third defense is the set of defensive schemes used when runners are on both first and third, designed to prevent the runner on third from scoring while still trying to get an out.
- Slap HittingSlap hitting is a left-handed technique where a fast runner moves through the box toward the pitcher while making contact, getting a running start toward first base.
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