Double Play Work

plp556:

I just got on tonight and am not sure why none of the usual participants have responded. I will try to get this started, realizing, like everything else, I wa taught by my father who is as old school as it got and what works for me does not always work for someone else.

At second base when the ball is hit to you there are at least two possible scenarios that you need to work on. First, the throw to the shortstop who then throws to first. Second, tagging the runner going to second yourself and throwing to first.

As to the first scenario, I personally like the underhanded wrist flips to the shortstop rather than the overhanded throw, especially if you are going towards second base rather than away from it. To make this throw consistently accurate it must be practiced. I would throw a tennis ball or one of those rubber T-Ball type basballs against a back wall that has a 90 degree corner with a wall to the right hand side. This allowed me to work on my footwork. Throw the ball at the front wall overhand and when it comes back to you, field it straight on and then move your right foot BACKWARDS about 12 to 18 inches angling it so that the toe would be pointing out to what would be centerfield. Then bring your left foot in front of and to the right of your right foot so that both feet are now in line with second base while simultanesously taking the ball out of the golve and throwing it underhanded to a designated spot on the side wall. You need to practice the footwork in combination with the throw from different distances from the side wall until you feel comfortable with it. Then you can work with a partner [preferally the shortstop you willl be plying with].

The tag out and throw to first scenario also has to be practiced. This is not so much footwork as it is timeing and location. Therefore, it almost has to be practiced on a field. Start out in your double play position behind and to the left hand side [for you] of second base. To start with you might have a 90 foot string tied across the middle of first to the middle of second base. You want to rapidly charge the hit ball until you get to about 3 feet in front of the string. Then you stop and allow the ball to come to you. The runner will have to go on the pitcher's mound side of you to avoid colliding with you and as you field the ball practice moving forward and tagging the imaginary runner and throwing to first. After you get a feel for where you need to be, you will no longer need to use the string.

As for the ball being thrown to you, it will normally be coming from either third base or shortstop as the pitcher normally throws the ball to the shortstop for the 1-6-3 double play. So you really need to learn to pivot and throw to first from two angles. Coming straght on to the base to catch the throw from third and coming from the side of the base for the throw from the shortstop.

The throw from third you can practice yourself with the two walls. Place a base with the sides parellel with two walls, one in front and one to your left. Stand about five to six feet DIRECTLY BEHIND second base and throw to ball at the front wall. As the ball hits the wall move straight to the base timing yourself so that you arrive with your left foot on the base and your right foot about to plant just as you receive the ball. Then make the pivot and throw to the other wall.

The shortstop throw is not as easy to practice by yourself and so you need to pracitce that with a partner; again hopefully the shortstop on your team.

Keep in mind with both these throws the idea is to get yourself positioned so that second base would be split in two if a line was drawn from you to the fielder and that you are about two or three steps away from the bag when the fielder fields the ball. That way, all the fielder has to do is throw to thebase and you will be in the right line to catch it.

I am sure there will be some disagreement with this and take what they and I say with a grain of salt but practice on something so that if the opportunity presents itself during fall ball, you will be ready.

Good Luck.

TW344

quote:

Originally posted by TW344

I am sure there will be some disagreement with this and take what they and I say with a grain of salt but practice on something so that if the opportunity presents itself during fall ball, you will be ready.

Good Luck.

TW344

Thats what im doing it for. I have always been in the OF but I want to try 2B because of a lack of skill at 2B for our Fall/School team and I want to be more versatile (Sp.?)

quote:

Originally posted by plp556:
I am new to 2b. I played the OF but I want to get better at 2 positions for College/Senior Year. What are some drills or advie when turning a DP when the ball is hit to you and when the ball is being throw to you from any poisition.

Thanks
Chris

Bag work
The key in HS and college is getting out of the baseline so you can make a strong throw to 1B. The easiest way to do this is to start with your left foot on 2B...as the ball is thrown to you...step in the direction of the thrown ball with your right foot, in a short jab step motion...you should time the right foot hitting the ground as soon as the ball hits your glove. This will effectively get you out of the baseline. Simply step your left foot off 2nd base toward 1B and throw. There are many variations of this but this is the most basic way to turn 2.

Feeds to the SS
The most important thing is making sure you get the first out. So, concentrate on catching the ball first. Froom there, the next step is to stay low...no matter what type of feed.

The flip
After fielding the ball and staying low, take a jab step with your R foot toward 2B. As you do so, throw your palm (with the ball in it) toward the SS's chest. (Wherever your palm goes, the ball goes.) After flipping the ball, follow it for at least another step. The "follow through" should look like you are going to shake hands with the SS.

Flips are done at different velocities depending on your distance from 2B. The more range you can accomplish with a flip, the better off you will be.

The toss
After fielding a ball hit to your left or right at you, stay low, rotate your hips and shoulders and throw a dart at the SS's chest. Do not wind up...take the ball directly from your glove to your ear and throw a dart.

These are basics to get you going. After you have mastered these, come back for more.

Pretty good advice given.

One thing I would add on the flip, make sure to clear your glove hand. By this I mean getting your glove to your side so the shortstop can get a good look at the ball without the glove being anywhere near it.

Thanks for all of the advice

Catching Coach,

Good pick up. That is a major pet peeve of mine and I didn't point it out.

Catch, separate, flip, follow through

What is the single most important thing in turning two?


First and foremost - field the ball cleanly!

Nothing else matters if this doesn't happen.

Don't rush. The play will take however long it takes. Not every ground ball will make a DP possible. Do work without hesitation and without wasted motion. Don't rush. Instead, just do the steps. This will normally ensure that you get the runner at second. The additional out is gravy.

There is a fantastic video tape called "Championship Baseball Series: The double play and special infield skills" by Mark Johnson (former Texas A&M coach). Study this tape & you will learn everything you need to know about the DP. It is probably the best instructional video I have seen. Concise, clear and with proper demonstrations.
Championship online ordering

Some situations call for an underhand feed. Some situations do NOT call for the underhand feed. Each must be used where appropriate.

Quick feet and proper footwork are essential. Agility (ladder/dots) type training will help.

Make sure to keep the throwing hand next to the glove when receiving the feed. A common time waster is having the throwing hand position a foot or two away from the glove.

Finally, there is the attitude. When you are the pivot, you ARE throwing to first. After receiving the feed, you will not think about it, look for the runner to make a judgement, etc. Doing any of these things wastes time. You are making the throw. The only reason to hold the throw is if you don't have a grip on the ball or are so off balance you can't make a decent throw.

You do not hold up the throw if the runner is coming in standing up. You will throw to first just as you would otherwise. You will not try to throw over/around the runner. You will not hesitate or hold the ball. If the runner ducks, then the throw continues as is normal. If the runner doesn't duck, you get the second out courtesy of the blue's interference call. And you teach that runner not to come in standing up.

Fielding

1. Field the ball cleanly. If you dont do this you may as well just throw to first to insure 1 out.

2. After you can field the ball cleanly, try fielding the ball cleanly on the right side of your body. This way makes it easier to move your body weight that way for a faster flip. If you must, if you have down time, practice fielding the ball with it on the right side of your body and shifting your body weight towards the bag and getting off a strong fast flip. Also practice a shovel pass so if your arfe in line w/ the bag you can do that, trust me its faster in that situation.

Recieving the Feed

1. Footwork
Left foot on the bag, catch the ball, make quick transfer, get out of the way of the slide (unless you love getting cleated), and make a strong throw, also get the SS to feed softly so you can barehand the feed, which is very fast when the GB is close to the bag.