Corner Infield Plays
Also known as: first and third base defense, bunt defense corners
Corner infield plays are how the first and third basemen defend the short game of bunts and slaps. They charge, read the hitter, and make the right throw.
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 decide whether to crash in (charge hard) or hold their position. Then they must react quickly enough to field the ball 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.
Know your assignment before the pitch — if you have been pre-assigned to throw to second on a bunt with a runner on first, make that decision before you field the ball, not after.
Film yourself from behind home plate against live bunt reps and measure the distance from home plate where you field the ball — elite corner defenders reliably field bunts within 20 feet. This provides time for force throws to all bases.
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.
How it shows up on video
Film from an elevated angle behind home plate to see corner positioning relative to home plate distance as the pitch is delivered — corners crashing too early tip their charge and can be beaten by a fake bunt into a swing. A well-executed corner play shows the first or third baseman breaking late enough to field the bunt but early enough to make a confident throw, not a rushed one. Watch for throw accuracy after fielding — most errors on corner plays happen in the throwing motion after a hurried field.
Common mistakes
- Crashing too early before reading whether the hitter is bunting or faking, allowing a pull-side ground ball to get past a vacated corner
- Fielding the bunt cleanly but hesitating on the throw decision, negating the aggressive charge with a tentative release
- Not having pre-assigned responsibilities for which base each corner defender throws to in each situation, creating confusion under pressure
- Playing back against known bunters because of fear of a swing, giving them unchallenged bunt singles down the line
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab follows one athlete and does not see the bunt or the field, so it cannot measure your starting position or charge timing. It can read your fielding transfer and throw from pose.
Frequently asked questions
Should the first or third baseman charge on every pitch against a slapper?
Not automatically. The charge timing should be triggered by the hitter's early footwork and bat position, not by pitch release alone, to avoid getting burned by a fake.
What is the safest default throw on a corner bunt with runners on first?
The lead runner — throwing to second for the force eliminates the most dangerous runner and is the correct play whenever the throw can be made with confidence.
Related terms
- Pitcher's Fielding PracticePitcher's fielding practice (PFP) drills a pitcher's defensive plays: covering first base, fielding bunts and comebacker grounders, and backing up bases.
- First-and-Third DefenseFirst-and-third defense is the set of plays used with runners on first and third. It tries to stop the runner on third from scoring while still getting an out.
- Slap HittingSlap hitting is a left-handed offensive technique where a fast runner moves through the batter's box toward the pitcher while making contact, converting their running start into a head-start toward first base.
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