Chemistry between SS and 2B

I coached fifteen year olds in 16U last summer. I like chemistry between the two. I want them to know just where each other like the ball delivered turning two. I like them to have that instinctive understanding of how they handle balls up the middle (knowing each other's capabilities and territory) and when the other will attempt the impossible so be ready for the toss/throw.

Here's an example of a "could have" play this fall if the players knew each other. The shortstop was new to the team. He had never played with the second baseman before. He made a diving catch on the right side of second base on the grass. He flipped the ball out of his glove over his shoulder at second. The ball arrived ahead of the runner on a bounce. The second baseman had given up on the ball and figured it was through. Had he covered second it would have been the third out. The next hitter drove in the runner from second.

TR, the whole thing evolves around trust and communication. If they can establish both criteria, you can see some magic. I know today we had a ball hit in the hole to the SS. Without hesitation, she planted the right foot/leg with knee bent and unleashed a bb at 2nd. The 2B came running across and a rally was killed. Our team has turned it around since we've developed this combination.

I think chemistry plays a big part in my game... Me and the SS have been playing together since 6th grade (Juniors now).

I coach high school and chemistry is VERY important for a double play combination. That comes from a lot of practice together. I had two guys who were the best at turning double plays I have ever had. The SS was a senior and the 2B was a junior and they worked together for 3 years. I would give them a great workout in practice but they would stay after and do more on their own with the various looks.

The chemistry also works for the younger players. For us, last year's all-stars SS and 2B didn't get along at all, and there were alot of miscomunication. This year they were very good friends going into the summer and had played together since they were 5. Needless to say, they knew how each other played and worked together great.

I'm with CoachB25 on this one. Trust and communication are the keys. I like my DP combination to have lockers next to each other in the clubhouse so they can share info easily before & after practice and I encourage them to spend time together so they can "feel" what the other guy is thinking and how'll he react in certain situations.

Trust and Communication are the key. We make them partner up in everything we do, stretch, warm-ups, throwing, conditioning etc.

quote:

Originally posted by john60:
Trust and Communication are the key. We make them partner up in everything we do, stretch, warm-ups, throwing, conditioning etc.

I could not agree more. They warm up together, stretch together, are in the same hitting groups.