Fielder at second tagging base runner

[leftout]

I would like to know where the short stop or second baseman should be positioned when receiving a throw from the catcher. I have seen coaches teaching behind the bag, straddling the bag and in front of the bag. What are your thoughts and why?

[PutItInPlay]

In front of the bag. I used to be a straddle the bag guy, but my views were swayed. The ball is always first when relieving a throw. Therefore, you need to be able to react to a bad throw. The only way to do this effectively is by receiving the throw in front of the bag. You can react to a bad throw without worrying about the runner being in your way. I could live with a player straddling, but never playing behind the bag.

[leftout]

Thank you for the help. I did have a short stop who straddled the bag and there was a throw up the line and both players were hurt and left the game. It was this situation that got me thinking about what is the better way. Thank you again.

[coach2709]

I've never seen the behind the bag but it's something I would never teach....ever. There are pros and cons with the in front of and straddle style so I sorta came up with what I call a modified straddle that combines the two. Imagine your fielder with his left knee on the bag facing first but now have his knee off the ground. That's where I teach my guys to be at when receiving the throw. They are out of harms way but still able to stab tag the bag without having to reach like you might have to with being in front.

If it's a high throw then they can take their left foot and step onto the bag to help generate lift on the jump to get up. If the throw is to the RF side then they can step back with their right foot and open up with the left to face the throw to catch it. If the throw is up the line towards the runner he can take his left foot over the inside corner aiming it in the direction of an area about 10 feet in front of first base on the home side (hope that makes sense).