Quote:
Originally posted by ntxblue
The BRs have been so conditioned to run to the orange base that I rarely have seen the BR adjust to F3 moving over on the errant throw. The BR will either hesitate to avoid F3 or collide with F3. The exceptions to this are usually with the better 16U & 18U players.
I have seen BRs adjust to use the white base and then be hit with the errant throw. I don't like the use of the double base. If F3 is properly trained/coached . . . OOPS!
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I am ambivalent regarding the double base. I think it bears some of the characteristics of a solution looking for a problem. However, on the whole, I think it probably does from time to time help to avoid an injury that might have otherwise come close to happening.
Nevertheless, as the use of the base becomes more common, players will become accustomed to using it.
I don't think "proper" training or coaching will address the safety issue. I have seen too many teams that have been coached to block the base to believe that.
My sense of "justice" (as opposed to my good sense, maybe) would like to see a distinction made between "set up" obstruction (i.e. the defensive player positions herself in the way) v. "flow of the play" obstruction (e.g. a defensive player runs into the runner). I'd like to see the penalty for the former be given some teeth - e.g. an extra base award. That would go a long way to eliminate base blocking, IMO.