Who Covers First Base?

[johnlanza]

Who do you think should cover first base in the following situation?
Age group: 7/8 coach-pitch.
Runner on first base, less than two outs. Close ballgame.
On a ground ball that the first baseman fields away from the bag, he throws to second base to get the force out.
I coach that the pitcher should cover first base in case there is a chance for a double play (rarely happens anyway at this level) but I know some coaches want the second baseman to cover first base.

[Standballdad]

Who do you think should cover first base in the following situation?
Age group: 7/8 coach-pitch.
Runner on first base, less than two outs. Close ballgame.
On a ground ball that the first baseman fields away from the bag, he throws to second base to get the force out.
I coach that the pitcher should cover first base in case there is a chance for a double play (rarely happens anyway at this level) but I know some coaches want the second baseman to cover first base.

2nd Should cover first base

[azmatsfan]

I'd tell both players to be ready to cover first base in that situation. At 7/8 you'll be lucky if either player remembers to cover.

[pthawaii]

Who do you think should cover first base in the following situation?
Age group: 7/8 coach-pitch.
Runner on first base, less than two outs. Close ballgame.
On a ground ball that the first baseman fields away from the bag, he throws to second base to get the force out.
I coach that the pitcher should cover first base in case there is a chance for a double play (rarely happens anyway at this level) but I know some coaches want the second baseman to cover first base.

2nd base covers first base. Add the fact you're talking coach pitch and someone needs to stay in the circle to kill the ball = pitcher goes to circle.

[Cannonball]

Ground ball to that side, pitcher is already running toward 1st. 2B is as well since ball is potentially in the 4 hole. So, pitcher and 2B have to now communicate. If pitcher sees 2b attempt to field or slow down to field ball, then pitcher takes. Otherwise, 2B and pitcher reads then moves to back up.

[Jake Patterson]

Teach them both to get there... It's alway easy to adjust later wehn they are older.

[tg643]

Teach both to hustle to first. The second one there peels off and backs up.