The team at bat has the advantage of knowing what strategy will be used on the next play, the defense must try to predict what that next move will be and counter with a defense play to attempt to stop it. This team defensive play may be a bunt defense, a pickoff play, or a pitch out to defense an attempted steal.

A team may be very talented, but if they can't play team defense they will be exploited by a good offense. Good team defense takes practice. Player's must know their role and the objective of each play. Since each play called relies on more than one player for proper execution, timing is essential.

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