defensive coverages

Question
I am considering changing my bunt coverages.  I need some expert advice before I make the change.  I coach fastpitch for a HS team in the Tulsa. OK area.  With a runner at first and one or no outs -- 3B,P,C all cover bunt with the 1B back to cover her bag, SS fields slap and covers 2b bag, and 2B fields her position and helps cover 1st.  The catcher covers thirdbase in case the 3B fields the bunt.  What do you think? (What do I call this?)  Next situation is one or no outs runners at 1st and second.  The P,1B,C all cover bunt and 3B plays back to cover her bag.  The SS covers 2nd and 2nd covers 1st base bag.  What do you think and what do I call this one for the defense?

Answer
Hello Jon,

In your first scenario, I don't care to have my catcher covering third.  An observant third base coach is going to notice this and challenge the speed of your catcher by bringing the runner from 1st to 3rd on the bunt.  I always have my pitcher cover third if the third baseman fields the bunt or the third baseman retreats to third if anyone else fields the bunt.  The left fielder should also be coming in to back the play up at third.  Make sure the outfielders are on the move once the bunt is laid down.  Too many outfielders become spectators when a bunt hits the ground.

In the second scenario, have your third baseman charge the bunt and your SS cover third base.  The centerfielder will come in to cover second since 99 % of the time, you aren't going to make a play at second in this situation.  If you don't bring your third baseman in to cover a bunt, you want succeed in getting an out many times.  A good coach will recognize the third baseman not charging and signal his hitter to bunt down that baseline.  It is a very hard play for a pitcher to make.  You have to drill into your players heads to know the situation prior to the game.  I'm not one of those coaches who changes my bunt coverage depending on the game situation.  My girls know what their responsibilities are (or should know) for every situation so there is no need to have a name for every coverage.  That is just my opinion.  My third baseman is always going to charge a bunt.  If their is a runner on second, by SS is always going to cover third.  If there is no runner on, or a runner on first, my SS is going to cover second.  My second baseman is always going to cover first on a bunt.  Don't make things too complicated for them and you'll find that you have better success with the girls being in proper position.  I only remind my SS what her responsibilities are, because this is the only infielder who's responsibilities change in my system.  

One other note, have your catcher always call the play when the bunt hits the ground.  She is the only one who can see the entire field.  If she thinks a fielder can get the lead runner out on a hard bunt, allow her to yell to the fielder where to make the play at.  Example:  Third baseman fields a hard bunt with runners on 1st and second and the catcher sees that she has fielded the ball in time to make a play at third have your catcher yell three, three, three.  This eliminates the third baseman from turning to see if the play is possible then being late with the throw to first.