Footwork for SS?

Here is what works for us. We have two short stop pivots, an outside move (the step w/ left, drag right method on throws from the 2nd baseman and a "play behind" first baseman) and an inside pivot.
We use the inside pivot from the 1st baseman when he is holding a runner on. It involves the SS getting to the bag and setting up with his toes pointing to first base, wide base, fingers of both hands pointing up, target given at mid-chest. With a good throw, we receive the ball and simply return it inside (on the home plate side) to the 1B/P covering first. The footwork is a simple skip and throw...block off the right foot & step to the target with the left.
In our state, by the way, runners must slide into the bag...so by working inside the sliding lane we're, by rule, protected from hard charging baserunners.

Ryno, I completely agree. It's not that difficult. I saw two Div-1 games and three JUCO games in last five days and I did not see one SS turn it like you have spoke of.

I'm talking about the turn w/ 1st baseman holding runner. I continue to see SS start in correct place (inside the bag, same side as 1st baseman) but on the turn move right into the teeth of the play. They (runners) can't come get you, use it to your advantage.

Ryno why am seeing this year after year?

Ryno and Low: I'm with you but try this on the exchange: Instead of ten fingers up, point 8 fingers to the ball, thumbs up. I think you'll find the exchange quicker as you can use the heel of the glove easier.... give it a try

I think you see it done incorrectly because there is no repercussion of getting one's clock cleaned. You see it done right in pro ball because, if not, the SS ends up in left field.

You got that right redbird!!!! Shall we put skirts on them in college.

trojan- I

quicker hands that way... good call

gg3

Trojan - Interesting...
(At this point I am standing up in the office with my hands up in front of my chest trying both moves )
I like it!

Admit it, guys...you're doing it too!

quote:

Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
Ryno and Low: I'm with you but try this on the exchange: Instead of ten fingers up, point 8 fingers to the ball, thumbs up. I think you'll find the exchange quicker as you can use the heel of the glove easier.... give it a try

You can be just as quick by not closing your glove as the ball enters. Use your glove to deflect the ball rather than "catch" it.

Also, with 10 fingers up, you give your self more room for error.

In flips around the bag, the "8 fingers up" method is very effective.

I teach my middle infielders to catch every ball possible, when turning a double play, with their palms up. W/ every ball possible, that means within the width of your body, and up to the middle of your chest. The exception of this rule is a pivot throw from the other middle infielder. This allows for the fastest and cleanest transfer possible, as long as it is a good feed. With any throw from a corner infielder, they should have enough time to be able to catch the ball comfortably this way, as long as it is a good feed. With this approach, and good footwork around the bag, every double play should be turned with relative ease.

www.blastbat.com

Keep in mind when turning the double play the pivot man rarely will catch the ball.....he simply stops the ball w/ his glove and his meat hand and glove hand close to together (fingers up / tilted / however).....you do not catch the ball...you stop the ball....make the ball change directions....