Baseball drill
Second base double play pivot drill
A second baseman takes a direct line to the base, catches a feed from the left side, touches the bag and throws to first, over and over. It builds a quick, simple pivot and a straight route to the base on the 6-4-3 and 5-4-3 double play.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Infield
- Ages
- 10U to High school
- Players
- 3 (a feeder, a second baseman and a first baseman or a net)
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Gloves, A base, A bucket of balls, A throwing net at first base (optional)
- Indoors
- Needs a field
On a double play started by the shortstop or third baseman, the second baseman's job is to get to the bag, catch the feed and get rid of the ball before the runner arrives. Many young second basemen lose time by drifting back or curving into the base. The shortest route is a straight line, and this drill repeats it until it is automatic.
The feeder can toss the ball rather than field a ground ball, so the second baseman gets a lot of turns in a few minutes. Start without a runner and with walk-throughs, and add speed only when the footwork is clean.
Setup
- Put a base at second and the second baseman at their normal depth.
- A coach or player stands at shortstop or third base with a bucket of balls to feed.
- Put a first baseman or a throwing net at first base.
How to run it
- The feeder calls the play. The second baseman breaks for the bag in a straight line.
- The second baseman arrives under control, ready to adjust to the throw, and shows the glove as a target.
- The feeder throws to the bag. The second baseman catches it as they touch the base.
- The second baseman steps toward first and throws, finishing to the side of the base path, away from where a runner would slide.
- Do five or six, then rotate the feeder, the second baseman and the first baseman.
Coaching points
- Go straight to the bag. No drop step back and no curve into the base.
- Get there early enough to set up and adjust to a feed that is high, low or off to either side.
- Catch and transfer quickly, with the glove and throwing hand together.
- Clear the base path after the throw, away from where a sliding runner would arrive.
Common mistakes
- Taking a step back before moving to the base.
- Rounding the route, which adds time and distance.
- Reaching for the feed instead of moving the body to it.
- Throwing while standing right on top of the bag, in the runner's path.
Printable drill card
Take this drill to the field: the setup, steps, coaching points and equipment on one card, with the video's address to find it again. Free, no account needed.
Print the drill cardSmaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).
By age
10U and 12U
Walk through the footwork without a ball, then with easy tosses. Getting to the bag and stepping toward first is enough.
14U and up
Run it at game speed with feeds that are a little off target, so the second baseman learns to adjust on the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foot should a second baseman touch the base with on a double play?
There is more than one accepted way. A common one for right-handed throwers is to touch the base with the right foot as the ball arrives, then step toward first with the left foot to throw. Pick one and teach it consistently.
When should youth players start practicing double plays?
Once infielders can field and throw to a base reliably, often around 10U or 12U. Teach the footwork early with walk-throughs; the speed comes later.
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