2nd Base questions, footwork, throwing, size etc...

As a middle infielder, I use a 11.25 inch mitt, and it works just fine. I find anything smaller than 11 uncomfortable. The 11.25 inch mitt allows me to get the ball out quickly and feel comfortable. As for the double plays from second base, there are three basic ways to receive a feed for a double play. Always-when the ball is hit sprint to the bag, chop your feet so you are able to go any way and are not caught flat footed, and make sure the 'fingers' of your mitt are facing up and your throwing hand is ready to transfer. When the throw is coming from third base, you can step on the bag with your left foot as you are catching the ball, come across, plant with the right, throw, and then hop(over the runner) if needed. A throw from the shortstop can be taken the same way if he is moving towards third to field it. If the shortstops closer to the bag for a flip or a short, quick toss, you can step on the bag with your left when receiving the ball, and then bounce back off the bag with your right, then throw and hop if needed. If the shortstop is really close to the bag, but can't take it himself, you can come to the back of the bag(if your arm is strong enough) with your left foot touching second receive the ball of your back leg (right)then transfer your weight and throw. These are just some basic ways to receive a ball for a double play. However, some 'improvising' may be necessary depending on the situation. (perhaps you can only get one out and you need to receive the ball at second as if you were a first baseman, just trying to get the sure out.)

sorry if my tips may sound confusing, but really its simple..just have a coach run through it with you real quick, and you will pick it up easily. good luck!

the glove

Great advice-- advising him to work with a coach one on one-- words in a forum don't make it work--being shown does

Actually all of that information made sense to me, I had to read it a little slow and picture everything you said but it made sense. Maybe its just me but it feels like I am moving really awkward and slow when turning a double play, second base and center feild arn't really the same at all!

TR unfortunatly we don't have the luxary of "quality" coaches here in NW MT.

CntrFld14....you have a PM