Softball drill
Shortstop double play footwork drill
A shortstop runs to second base, sets a foot on the bag early and steps toward a feed from the right side before throwing on to first. It builds the footwork for the 4-6-3 and 3-6-3 double play and the habit of getting to the base early.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Infield
- Ages
- 10U to High school
- Players
- 3 to 4 per group (a feeder, shortstops in a line, a first baseman or a net)
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- Gloves, A base, A bucket of balls, A throwing net at first base (optional)
- Indoors
- Needs a field
When the ball is hit to the right side, the shortstop covers second base for the double play. The plays that go wrong usually start with a shortstop who arrived late and had to catch the ball on the run with no time to set their feet. This drill trains the shortstop to get to the bag early, set up and then move toward the feed.
Stepping toward the throw shortens the distance, helps with a feed that is off line and gives the shortstop momentum toward first base. Without a runner and with a coach feeding, a group of shortstops can get many turns in a few minutes.
Setup
- Put a base at second. Shortstops line up at their normal position.
- A coach or player stands near second base's normal fielding spot, or first base, to feed.
- Put a first baseman or a throwing net at first base.
How to run it
- The coach signals a ball to the right side. The shortstop sprints to second base.
- The shortstop gets there early and sets a foot on the bag, ready to move toward the throw.
- The feeder tosses or throws the ball to the shortstop.
- As the ball comes, the shortstop steps toward it, catches it and stays on or touches the base.
- Using that forward momentum, the shortstop throws to first, clears the base path and goes to the back of the line.
Coaching points
- Hustle to the bag. Arriving early is what makes the rest of the footwork possible.
- Step toward the feed to shorten the throw and to handle a ball that is off line.
- Stay low and keep the momentum going toward first through the catch and throw.
- Get out of the base path after the throw.
Common mistakes
- Arriving late and having to catch on the run with the feet in the wrong place.
- Standing flat-footed on the bag and waiting for the ball.
- Staying on the base for a wild feed. Catching the ball matters more than the force out.
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
Focus on getting to the bag quickly and catching easy tosses with a foot on the base.
12U
Add the step toward the ball and a smooth move from the catch to the throw.
14U and up
Speed it up, use feeds that are off target and expect quick, accurate throws to first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foot does the shortstop put on second base for a double play?
In the video, a right-handed shortstop sets the right foot on the bag and steps toward the feed with the left. Other footwork is also taught; pick one way and teach it consistently.
What should the shortstop do if the feed is way off?
Leave the base and catch the ball. Keeping the ball in the infield is worth more than trying for the force out.
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