Middle IF Pivot

I believe it is purely a style thing. I believe that I was told that the step back to pivot was representative of a Latin influence on the game. My son was taught the other method, probably because that was the method employed by his older instructor. The step back is a more recent approach.

Both work and are efficient.

One encourages a tendency to move away, while the other maintains a more balanced foundation to adjust to unexpected hops.

I only share this from a parents perspective overhearing and questioning my sons instructor. I am not a player or coach, but thought you posed a good question for a thread.

I like going across the base every time. Step your right foot towards the ball and time it so that it hits the ground as the ball hits your glove.

I am not a fan of backing away from the ball (step back pivot). IMO, it creates negative momentum toward 1B.

I agree with Redbird5 on the timing of the footwork. That's very important. Although most second baseman will gravitate towards one favorite pivot style, it's in a second baseman's interest to work on multiple types. All have value on different plays and feeds. I would try to show as many as I could in pre-game warm-ups so the other base runners wouldn't know where I was going to be. If you only show one style (ex. across the bag), the runners can just put their head down and run directly to the spot they know you are going. Keep them guessing.
Just a thought.

BaseballByTheYard

quote:

Originally posted by meachrm:
...If you only show one style (ex. across the bag), the runners can just put their head down and run directly to the spot they know you are going. Keep them guessing.
Just a thought.

BaseballByTheYard

Not under NFHS rules. Try have to slide striaight into the bag. If my 2B does his pivot correctly, I can argue an automatic DP any time he is touched.

redbird: i don't like backing away from the bag either. I realize MLB can do it; they have guns and flick the ball across the infield.

Correct, redbird5. However, for my own safety, I never wanted (nor did I want my players) to assume the runner was going to do that. His mistake is my injury.

BaseballByTheYard

My son has been playing 2B and has remarked at the difference in baserunners agressiveness when trying to turn 2! Not in college anymore!

Redbird is dead on correct!  Round slightly to the bag, left foot on the bag, step toward the ball with right foot, try to gain momentum to first base and throw, jump over runner off of left leg if the throw takes you down the baseline.

Oh no...I never assume the runner will slide directly in.  That is why I want him out of the base path whenever possible.  If I know my 2B is clear of the base path EVERY time, I can then argue for interference any time he is touched (and usually win the argument).

 

Also, to protect himself, he has learned to throw from his shoe tops to get a runner to slide early.  IF, for whatever reason he gets taken out by the runner, he has also been taught to come down on top of the runner with his elbows.  I certainly don't want him injuring his hands or wrists attempting to brace his fall.  

Hey, Nicholas 25,                "NOTE" "NOTE" "NOTE"    "FOR ALL PLAYERS"

          "ALWAYS WHEN POSSIBLE"

Great question on pivots.       "RECEIVE ALL THROWS WITH TWO HANDS.

Great comments.          "LET THE ALLIGATOR JAWS WORK."

          "Make the ball spin end over end"

  Successfully making plays at 2nd. base is most important and many times are game/back breakers for the offensive team.

There are three basic pivots confronting a second baseman at any given time.

however successful each is one is dependent on the proper direction and angle of the throw along with the proper direction, angle and foot work  the second baseman takes to enable him to have a good shot/open throwing lane and {moving direction} {when possible} to his target.

Here is a basic run down of each pivot, just knowing their names isn't much to go on so I gave a run down as to how to execute them. I split and mark a reference line in black across 2nd. base from corner to corner right down the middle of the field, right field on one side and left field on the other side due to the fact that at times the foot covering the bag will work on one side or the other. 

#1.The straddle pivot.

 {B} The player straddles the bag with right foot on left field side.

{B}.He relays throws to his right by dragging the left foot across the bag as he catches the ball and then rotates and  strides toward 1st. base with left foot to make his throw.

{C}. He relays throws directly at him by dragging the right foot across the bag as he throws.

{D} On throws to his extreme left he steps with his left foot to catch the ball{ with two hands} dragging the right foot across the bag {2nd base} then brings right foot forward to surface in front of bag {2nd}base and then rotates and strides with left foot to make the throw.

Now comes my very favorite pivot #2 {THE CROSS OVER PIVOT} because when executed properly #1.it opens up a clear throwing lane, #2. It allows one to have good momentum moving towards 2nd base and most importantly it allows for those with not so strong arms to execute a good strong throw to 1st. base. open throwing lane and momentum towards 2nd. base is the key here.

The proper way when possible to execute the "CROSS OVER PIVOT" is to get there, to 2nd base as quickly as possible as one should do  on all pivots, center up circle in when possible  with belly button in line with 3rd base ,hips squared up to base also then step with left foot on the right field, 1st base edge of bag with left toe pointing as much as possible towards 1st. base, then crosses over left foot with right foot as much as possible towards 1st base while receiving the ball with two hands while bringing the left foot forward and striding towards 1st base.

#3 the {ROCKER PIVOT}

The 2nd baseman waits for the throw from a position about  one step behind the bag on the right field side.

As he receives the ball with two hands he steps on edge of the bag closest to 1st base with his left foot,

He then rocks back on his right foot, rotates and,strides towards 1st base and makes his throw making the ball spin end over end.

Of course we all know these ways of execution can only be executed properly when throws are made properly otherwise the receiver will have to adjust accordingly.

Well I hope my comments will be helpful.

Don Ervin

 

 

 

These are all really good posts about the pivot.  I think the thing we need to realize is that there is no specific way to turn a double play because of all of the variables.  

 

However there are some consistencies that we can teach the kids to give them "soft" rules to expand off of.  

 

I found this website that discusses receiving a double play from both middle positions in great detail.  The link to the page that talks about receiving double plays is priceless when teaching my kids.  

 

It includes video and pictures as well

http://www.infieldfundamentals...-double-plays-at-ss/