Quote:
Originally Posted by rbmartin
Just rim it like you would a girls softball game. Be prepared to move a lot. Communication with HP on 3rd base coverage will make things go a lot smoother.
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FWIW, rimming is the mechanic used in NCAA softball when the BU starts in A and the batter hits a clean single. But it is not endorsed by ASA softball. ASA wants BUs to move into the diamond on balls hit in the outfield unless they're taking responsibility for trouble balls.
On the 60' diamond, there's a more important reason why BUs start in the "outside" B or C beyond self-preservation. It's because they have to watch for certain base-running infractions while the pitch is being delivered. In girls softball, for example, runners must maintain contact with the bag until the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand. And in youth baseball with "closed" bases (e.g., LL), runners cannot leave their bases until the pitch reaches the batter. So BUs set up outside to watch for those infractions.
If the U11 game you're working doesn't have those base-running restrictions, there's no real benefit gained by starting in the "outside" B or C other than giving yourself a little more reaction time on sharply-batted balls. So if you feel more comfortable inside, go for it.