Outfield - Backing Up
Situations
I've included some situations along with responsibilities of the outfielders. I haven't attempted to include all scenarios, but hopefully this will provide some information to players or coaches who don't know where outfielders should be to properly back up a play. In all situations it's important to realize that an outfielder may be needed in a rundown play. By backing up, the outfielder he has placed himself in a position to help in that situation also.
Ball Hit To The Left Side Of The Infield
Left Fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second or third base depending on base runners.
Center Fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball or second base if the ball is hit back to the pitcher and a double play will be attempted.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second base.
Right fielder
- The primary responsibility is to back up second base on double play ball and first base when there are no runners on.
- If the ball gets through the infield, stop and back up second base.
Ball Hit To The Right Side Of The Infield
Right fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball.
- After the ball has been fielded, center fielder should move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second.
Center fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball or second base if the ball is hit back to the pitcher and a double play will be attempted.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second base.
Left fielder
- The primary responsibility is to back up second base or third base.
