NATIONAL
Playbook
No one on Base.
Short single to
Left Field.
8
8
7
9
7
6
9
4
6
4
5
1
1
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a backup position
behind second base. Do not get
in base runner’s way.
2
CATCHER
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Be ready to cover first
if first baseman leaves the bag to
back up an over throw.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
6
1
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
See base runner touch first
base. Cover first, and be ready
to field an overthrow by left
fielder.
3
SHORTSTOP
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection
Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner
will attempt to go to second.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up left fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly, read the way the play is
evolving and either get the ball
to the cutoff man or make a firm
one-hop throw to second base.
Move into back up position
behind second base. Give
yourself enough room to field
an overthrow.
8
8
9
7
7
No one
on Base.
Long single to
Left Field.
9
6
6
4
4
5
1
1
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a backup position
behind second base. Do not get in
base runner’s way.
2
CATCHER
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Be ready to cover first
if first baseman leaves the bag to
back up an over throw.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first
base. Cover first, and be ready
to field an over throw by left
fielder.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner
will attempt to go to second.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up left fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to second base.
Move into back up position behind
second base. Give yourself enough
room to field an overthrow.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
2
No one on Base.
Short single to
Centre Field.
7
8
9
7
9
6
6
4
5
4
1
1
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
2
3
PITCHER
CATCHER
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
Move into back up position
between the mound and second
base.
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Back up first baseman.
Be ready for the middle infielders
to throw behind the base runner at
first, and also to get back to home
once base runner is clearly safe at
second base.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
See base runner touch first
base. Cover first base.
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
Back up centre fielder.
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly, read the way the play is
evolving and either get the ball to
the cutoff man or make a firm
one-hop throw to second base.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Back up centre fielder.
No
7
8
8
9
one on Base.
Long single to
Left‐Centre Field.
9
7
6
4
6
5
9
4
1
1
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into back up position
between the mound and second
base.
2
CATCHER
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Back up first baseman.
Be ready for the middle infielders
to throw behind the base runner at
first, and also to get back to home
once base runner is clearly safe at
second base.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first
base. Cover first base.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base.
5
6
THIRD BASEMAN
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection.
SHORTSTOP
Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner
will attempt to go to second.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Get to the ball quickly. Field it
Field the ball or back up centre
fielder.
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to second base.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Once you read that the ball is on
the left-field side, back up in the
vicinity of second base, for
a possible deflection.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
4
No one on Base.
Long single to
Right‐Centre Field.
8
9
8
7
9
4
7
5
6
6
5
4
1
1
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into back up position
between the mound and second
base.
2
CATCHER
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Back up first baseman.
Be ready for the middle infielders
to throw behind the base runner at
first, and also to get back to home
once base runner is clearly safe at
second base.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner will
attempt to go to second.
5
6
5
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
See base runner touch first base.
Cover first base.
3
THIRD BASEMAN
SHORTSTOP
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection.
Cover second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Get to the ball quickly. Field it
Once you read that the ball is on
the right-field side, back up in the
vicinity of second base, for
a possible deflection.
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to second base.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Field the ball or back up centre
fielder.
No one
8
on Base.
Short single to
Right Field.
8
9
7
9
4
7
6
5
6
4
5
1
3
3
1
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a position to back up
the throw from the right fielder; be
aware of a possible deflection.
2
CATCHER
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Give yourself room to
back up the first baseman if the
right fielder throws behind
the base runner at first base.
2
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first base.
Cover first base.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner will
attempt to go to second base.
5
6
THIRD BASEMAN
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready to field a
possible deflection
and/or back up pitcher.
SHORTSTOP
Cover second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position toward third base in
line with throw.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly, read the way the play is
evolving and either get the ball
to the cutoff man or make a firm
one-hop throw to second base.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
6
No one on Base.
Long single to
Right Field.
8
8
7
9
9
4
7
5
5
6
6
4
3
1
1
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
2
7
PITCHER
CATCHER
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
Move into a position on the to
back up the throw from the right
fielder; be aware of a possible
deflection.
Move into position to back up first
baseman. Give yourself room to
back up the first baseman if the
cuttoff man throws behind
the base runner at first base.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first base.
Cover first base.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into position to be the
cutoff man to second base.
Assume the base runner will
attempt to go to second base.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Remain in the area of third
base. Be ready for possible
deflection/back up pitcher.
6
SHORTSTOP
Cover second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position toward third base in line
with throw.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to second base.
8
8
7
9
Base runner on
First Base.
Single to
Left Field.
7
6
6
4
5
5
4
1
9
3
3
1
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a position to back up
the throw from the left fielder to
third base. Anticipate errant throw.
2
CATCHER
Remain in the home plate area.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See the base runner touch first
base. Cover first in case of wide
turn by batter base runner.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base. Be prepared
for a throw behind the base
runner at second base from the
left fielder or infielder.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Covers third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into a position to be
the cutoff man to third base.
Assume the first base runner
will attempt to go to third.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up left fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to third base.
Move into possible back up
position toward second base.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
8
Base runner on
First Base.
Single to Centre
Field.
7
9
8
8
7
9
6
6
4
5
5
1
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
2
9
PITCHER
CATCHER
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
Move into a position as deep as
possible to back up the throw from
the centre fielder to third base.
Anticipate errant throw.
4
3
3
2
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See the base runner touch first
base. Cover first in case of wide
turn by batter base runner.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base. Be prepared
for a throw behind the base
runner at second base from the
centre fielder or infielder.
Remain in the home plate area.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Covers third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into a position to be
the cutoff man to third base.
Assume the first base runner
will attempt to go to third.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
Back up centre fielder and read
the play.
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to third base.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Back up centre fielder and read
the play.
8
8
9
7
Base runner on
First Base.
Single to
Right Field.
9
4
6
7
5
5
1
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
2
PITCHER
CATCHER
Move into a position as deep as
possible to back up the throw
from the right fielder to third base.
Anticipate errant throw.
4
6
3
3
2
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See the base runner touch first
base. Cover first in case of wide
turn by batter base runner.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Covers third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into a position to be
the cutoff man to third base.
Assume the first base runner
will attempt to go to third.
Remain in the home plate area.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up the right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position behind third base.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to third base.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
10
Base runner on
Second Base.
Single to Left Field.
7
8
8
7
9
8
9
4
6
5
6
4
3
3
1
5
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move in to back up home plate
through the first base side of home
plate.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
1
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See the base runner touch first
base. Cover first in case of wide
turn by batter base runner.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover second base. Be alert for
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up the left fielder; once throw
9
RIGHT FIELDER
a throw from the cutoff man or
catcher.
11
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Move into a position to be the
cutoff. See base runner touch
third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Cover third base. Be alert for a
throw from the cutoff man or
catcher.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it cleanly
and make a flat one-hop throw all
the way to home. If there is no play
on the lead base runner, throw the
ball to second base to keep the
double play in order and the batter/
base runner out of scoring position.
is made, move to back up possible
throw to second base by catcher or
cutoff man.
Move into a possible back up
position behind second base. Read
the play and be ready to back up
second or first. The catcher or cutoff
man may make an attempt to throw
the ball to second or first base.
7
8
Base runner on
Second Base.
Single to
Centre Field.
9
8
9
7
6
4
6
4
3
5
5
1
3
2
2
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a deep back up position
behind home plate. Circle on the
first base side of home.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
4
2
CATCHER
FIRST BASEMAN
Move into a position to be
cut-off man to home plate.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Get to the ball quickly. Field it
SECOND BASEMAN Cover first base. Be alert for
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to home.
If there is no play on the lead base
runner, throw the ball to second
base to keep the double play in
order and the batter/base
runner out of scoring position.
a throw from the cutoff man
or catcher.
Cover home plate.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
See the base runner touch
third base. Cover third. Be
prepared for a throw from
cut-off or catcher.
6
SHORTSTOP
Back up centre fielder.
Communicate with centre
fielder where to throw.
Back up centre fielder.
7
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Back up centre fielder.
Communicate with centre
fielder where to throw.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
12
Base runner on
Second Base.
Single to Right
Field.
8
8
9
7
9
6
6
7
4
3
5
5
1
4
3
2
2
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Move into a deep back up position
behind home plate.Circle on the
third base side of home plate.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Cover first base. See base
5
6
13
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
Move into a position to be cutoff man to home plate.
runner touch first base.
Be alert for a throw from the
cutoff man or catcher.
THIRD BASEMAN
See the base runner touch third
base. Cover third. Be prepared
for a throw.
SHORTSTOP
Cover second base. Be alert for
a throw from the cutoff
or catcher.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into a possible back up
position behind third base.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and make a flat one-hop
throw all the way to home. If there
is no play on the lead base runner,
throw the ball to second base to
keep the double play in order and
the batter/base runner out
of scoring position.
First
Base open.
Sure double down
Left Field line.
8
8
9
7
7
9
6
6
4
3
5
5
4
1
3
3
1
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Back up third base.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Hang at second base until
If possible break to inside of base,
see base runner touch first base.
Trail base runner to second base.
ball clears outfielders. If sure
double, trail 5-10m behind
second base. Be ready to relay
ball to third base if shortstop
leaves ball to you.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into relay position in line
with third base. Judge throw and
decide whether to relay yourself
or leave to the trailing second
base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up left fielder. Communicate
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Get to ball quickly. Field it cleanly
and give the shortstop a hard
accurate chest high throw that the
relay man can handle.
with left fielder where he should
throw the ball.
Move into possible back up
position behind second base.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
14
First Base Open.
Sure double in Left
Centre Field.
7
8
8
6
7
9
4
43
6
5
5
9
4
1
3
3
2
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
15
1
PITCHER
Back up third base.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
2
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
If possible break to inside of base,
see base runner touch first base.
Trail base runner
to second base.
4
SECOND BASEMAN Hang at second base until ball
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into relay position in line
with third base. Judge throw and
decide whether to relay yourself
or leave to the trailing second
base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT & CENTRE The left fielder and centre fielder
must communicate with each
FIELDERS
other during the play. The first
outfielder to the ball makes the
play. The other will back up. Get to
the ball quickly. Field it cleanly and
give the relay man a firm accurate
chest high throw.
8
clears outfielders, if sure double,
trail 5-10m behind second base.
Be ready to relay ball to third
base if shortstop leaves ball to you.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position toward first base.
First
8
9
8
7
Base open.
Sure double in Right
Centre Field.
9
4
6
3
6
5
5
7
4
1
3
3
2
1
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Back up third base.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into relay position in line
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Hang at second base until ball
clears outfielders, if sure double,
trail 5-10m behind second base.
Be ready to relay ball to third
base if second base leaves ball
to you.
If possible break to inside of base,
see base runner touch first base.
Trail base runner
to second base.
with third base. Judge throw and
decide whether to relay yourself
or leave to the trailing shortstop.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
The centre fielder and right fielder
CENTRE &
RIGHT FIELDERS must communicate with each
9
Move into possible back up
position toward third base.
other during the play. The first
outfielder to the ball makes the
play. The other will back up.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and give the relay man a
firm accurate chest high throw.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
16
First Base open.
Sure double down
Right Field line.
8
8
9
7
6
3
5
5
4
1
7
1
9
4
6
3
3
2
2
BATTERY KEY POINTS
17
1
PITCHER
Back up third base.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into relay position in line
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Hang at second base until ball
clears outfielders, if sure double,
trail 5-10m behind second base.
Be ready to relay ball to third
base if second base leaves ball
to you.
If possible break to inside of base,
see base runner touch first base.
Trail base runner
to second base.
with third base. Judge throw and
decide whether to relay yourself
or leave to the trailing shortstop.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position toward third base.
Get to ball quickly. Field it cleanly
and give relay man a firm accurate
chest high throw.
Base runner on
First Base.
Sure double down
Left Field line.
8
8
7
9
7
9
3
6
6
4
5
5
4
3
3
1
2
2
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
PITCHER
Back up home plate.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first
base. Trail base runner to
second base.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Hang at second base until ball
clears outfielders, if sure double,
trail shortstop, observing
base runners’ progress and
as outfielder throws ball, tell
shortstop where to throw.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into a relay position to
home plate in left field. Stay in
fair territory and listen for
call from second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up left fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Get to ball quickly. Field it cleanly
and give the relay man a firm
accurate chest high throw,
keeping the ball in fair territory so
a subsequent throw can avoid the
base runner heading home.
Back up second base.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
18
Base runner on
First Base.
Sure double Left
Centre Field.
7
8
8
7
9
6
4
9
4
5
5
4
3
3
1
2
2
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
1
2
PITCHER
CATCHER
Move into back up position behind
home plate. Circle on first base side
of home plate. Be prepared to back
up third base if the play changes
direction.
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
See base runner touch first
base. Move into cutoff position
to home plate.
4
SECOND BASEMAN Hang at second base until
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Move into a relay position to
home plate and listen for call
from second base.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
9
19
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
other during the play. The first
outfielder to the ball makes the
play. The other will back up.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and give the relay man a
firm accurate chest high throw.
8
ball clears outfielders, if sure
double, trail shortstop, observe
base runners’ progress and
as outfielder throws ball, tell
shortstop where to throw.
Cover home plate.
LEFT & CENTRE The left fielder and centre fielder
must communicate with each
FIELDERS
RIGHT FIELDER
Cover second base.
8
9
8
4
7
Base runner on
First Base.
Sure double Right
Centre Field.
9
6
6
4
5
5
7
1
BATTERY KEY POINTS
2
PITCHER
CATCHER
Move into position half way
between third and home. Read
the play and back up where play
develops.
Cover home plate.
3
3
2
2
1
1
3
INFIELD KEY POINTS
See base runner touch first
base. Move into cutoff position
to home plate.
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into a relay position to
home plate and listen for call
from shortstop.
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Hang at second base until ball
clears outfielders, if sure double,
trail second baseman, observing
base runners’ progress and
as outfielder throws ball, tell
second baseman where to
throw.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
The centre fielder and right fielder
CENTRE &
RIGHT FIELDERS must communicate with each
9
Move into a possible back up
position behind third base.
other during the play. The first
outfielder to the ball makes the
play. The other will back up.
Get to the ball quickly. Field it
cleanly and give the relay man a
firm accurate chest high throw.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
20
Base runner on First
Base.
Sure double down
Right Field line.
8
8
7
9
6
6
BATTERY KEY POINTS
21
PITCHER
Move into position half way
between third and home. Read the
play and back up where play develops.
2
CATCHER
Cover home plate.
NATIONAL PLAYBOOK
TEAM DEFENCE
3
1
2
2
1
1
4
4
3
5
5
7
9
INFIELD KEY POINTS
3
FIRST BASEMAN
4
SECOND BASEMAN Move into a relay position to home
5
THIRD BASEMAN
Cover third base. Be prepared for
the play to be redirected from
second baseman or catcher to
third base.
6
SHORTSTOP
Cover second base. Read the play
and move into relay position to
third base.
Trail second base, observing
base runners’ progress and as
outfielder throws ball, tell second
base where to throw.
plate and listen for call from first
baseman. Be prepared to redirect
throw to third base if there is no
play at home.
OUTFIELD KEY POINTS
7
LEFT FIELDER
8
CENTRE FIELDER Back up right fielder.
9
RIGHT FIELDER
Move into possible back up
position toward third base.
Get to ball quickly. Field it cleanly
and give relay man a firm accurate
chest high throw.