Give shortstops an opportunity to handle different types of feeds from the second baseman.
Equipment
Baseballs (6 - 10)
Gloves
Bases / Throw-downs
Description
With 2-3 people set up in double play depth around second base (double play depth requires the infielders to move approximately three strides towards home plate and four strides towards second base), feeder roles the ball to the second baseman, who delivers the ball to the shortstop.
The shortstop performs the proper footwork and returns the ball to the feeder. This is repeated 8-10 times.
Tips
There are two basic types of receiving feeds when turning a double play:
Across the Bag - Infielders should have their knees bent in the ready position in case they are presented with a poor throw. The infielders' hands should be together, away from their body, setting up a target. The key to turning the double lay is moving to the ball with the feet. Have the infielders concentrate on going to the ball with their right leg (see "Throwing-side Leg to Ball" Drill. After receiving the ball, the transfer from the glove to the throwing hand should be made out in front of the body. The throwing shoulder must be turned and closed to the target, allowing for a more accurate throw. The double play turn from across the bag is very similar to the turn from inside the bag with a couple of exceptions:
The infielder places their left foot on the back corner. As the ball is arriving, move the right leg towards the ball which will establish momentum towards first base.
Inside the Bag - Infielders should have their knees bent in the ready position in case they are presented with a poor throw. The infielders' hands should be together, away from their body, setting up a target. The key to turning the double lay is moving to the ball with the feet. Have the infielders concentrate on going to the ball with their right leg (see "Throwing-side Leg to Ball" Drill.
After receiving the ball, the transfer from the glove to the throwing hand should be made out in front of the body. The throwing shoulder must be turned and closed to the target, allowing for a more accurate throw. The double play turn from inside the bag is very similar to the turn from across the bag with a couple of exceptions:
Start toward the inside of the bag (the closest part of the bag to home plate).
The infielder places their left foot on the back corner. As the ball is arriving, move the right leg towards the ball which will establish momentum towards first base.
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