Executing the Double Play in the Middle

By: Sam Piraro, San Jose State Univ. - Retired

Most baseball people, especially those who are involved at the upper levels, understand the importance and significance of the Double Play. Being able to secure two outs, on one play, is essential to winning baseball. I explained to the teams that I coached, that the Double Play was equivalent to a "Defensive Home Run." So, in practice, we treated those drills with as much importance as batting practice and baserunning.

PREPARING FOR THE DOUBLE PLAY

Our defensive philosophy centered around keeping the Double Play a viable option. This meant that our outfielders were trained to throw to the proper base as well as executing the cutoff system properly. This included a combination of direct (Verbal) and indirect (Pointing) communication. Keeping a runner off second base was paramount.

Our pitchers worked extremely hard in practice sessions developing the "Double Play" pitch. This included flat ground, catch play and bullpen work. Specifically, this pitch revolves around pristine location. The pitch was primarily a fastball on the outer part of the plate, knee high and with some late movement. That was the desired execution. This tactic was utilized in our Intra Squads and scrimmages. Our hitters benefited as well, as they learned how to "see the ball up" in double play situations. To say the least, we invested a tremendous amount of time in this dynamic fundamental.

ALIGNMENT IN THE MIDDLE

From day one of our practices, we were always vigilant in explaining our theories of "Double Play Position" for the shortstop and second baseman. We reviewed the variables for every scenario according to score of the game, game situations and hitter's tendencies.

Our first goal was to teach the proper "cheating" adjustments that would put the middle infielders in the best position to execute the Double Play. We used a formula that was predicated on taking three steps toward home plate and three steps toward second base. These adjustments were off their "normal" alignment with nobody on first base. Please realize, this was just a baseline for the defenders to establish a comfort ability and consistency in their positioning. Some of the fielders might have utilized four steps, or in some cases, two steps from their normal position. This cheating alignment allowed them to accomplish the following defensive tactics:

1. Be able to get to second base in plenty of time to receive the feed and begin the pivot necessary to complete the Double Play. It also gave the pivot man time to adjust to an erratic feed.
2. Be able to cover second base on any steal attempt. We always wanted our "cover man" in position, ahead of the throw from the catcher and the impending runner. This technique of reading the hitting zone and committing to the bag was practiced several times per week. This pre pitch positioning also was effective in defending against the delayed steal. The person covering the bag had the assignment of simultaneously checking the runner as he took several steps toward second base. This technique also proved to be a deterrent to the delayed steal.
3. Be able to get into proper alignment for any double steal or deceptive first and third offensive play. Having quick access to second base and the baseline provided the middle infielders with time to diagnose and react to the developing play and have their body under control to execute the proper defensive reaction,

As I mentioned earlier, the score of the game as well as what inning we were in, would often adjust the positioning of the middle infield. If the Double Play was not a priority, and the steal of second was not a primary concern, we had the fielders defend the field in their normal positioning.

FEEDS AND TURNS

In my opinion, there are two examples in which a batter/ runner is moving at his fastest to first base:

• When he "smells" an infield hit.
• When he is trying to stay out of a double play.

We used 4.3 seconds or less as our objective to successfully convert the Double Play. In practice, we often timed the infielders as they made their plays to first base. We usually had runners attacking first base at full speed to create as much pressure as possible.

Before we discuss the types of exchanges between the middle infielders, let me be crystal clear in what our priorities were in a Double Play scenario.

1. Play the ball.... not the feed. Do not stop your feet too soon when the ball is approaching you. We called this "settling". Attack the ball the same way as you would any other ground ball.
2. Always make sure to get the "Lead" runner. Secure the ball properly and begin the process without rushing. Our terminology is to "BE QUICK.... but don't rush." Provide the pivot man with a easy to see, soft and clean feed.
3. The pivot man had to always present a "Window" and expect an erratic throw. When in doubt, catch the ball and secure the lead out. Once again, this is reinforced in practice on a regular basis.

FEEDS FROM SHORTSTOP TO SECOND BASE

Over the years we have consistently taught four feeds from the shortstop to the second baseman. We emphasize that the throws be chest high and slightly to the glove side of the second baseman. The pace of the feed is in direct relationship to the distance between the middle infielders. We want the ball distributor to provide good vision for the pivot man.

1. Routine Groundball directly to shortstop:

• Keep feet moving. Do not "settle" too soon.
• If possible, field ball slightly to throwing hand side to promote a quicker release.
• When ball is secure, immediately clear "vision lane" by dropping glove leg back. Once again, a firm feed with touch is encouraged.

2. Groundball to the right of the shortstop (Including backhand):

• Keep feet moving. Do not "settle" too soon.
• Do not rush on this play...keep eyes and nose down.
• When ball is secure, regain posture and clear glove leg. A firmer, stronger throw is needed.

3. Groundball to the left of the shortstop (Momentum going to second base):

• Keep feet moving to establish the best angle to the ball.
• Do not raise eyes too soon in anticipation of the feed.
• Once ball is secure, remove ball from glove and continue momentum toward second. Feed will be underhand and with somewhat of a stiff wrist. The ball should be slightly "Palmed" with little rotation. Follow your throw at least three to five steps.

4. Groundball to the left of the shortstop and behind second base:

• This is a "range" play for the shortstop. His crossover step is at least ninety degrees and perhaps slightly deeper, depending on how sharply the ball is hit.
• The shortstop must maintain his concentration as well as his balance.
• Once ball is secured, the shortstop will try and come under control and provide a stiff wristed exchange with a "palmed" grip to create minimal rotation.

The second baseman (Pivot man) always uses his left foot to be on the base when receiving the feed. We teach a direct line target (Not a rounding approach) for receiving the throw. Like we mentioned previously, we want a window to be created by the pivot's man glove and throwing hand. Once the feed has been identified and timed up, the second baseman steps to the ball with his right foot and initiates the pivot to first base. We want the second baseman to the inside of the baseline, while cutting the angle and distance down using proper footwork.

FEEDS FROM SECOND BASEMAN TO THE SHORTSTOP

Once again, we will explain four types of feeds that can be used by the middle infielders as they execute the Double Play. All the guidelines and parameters that the shortstop worked with, apply to the second baseman as well.

1. Routine Groundball directly to the second baseman:

• Keep feet moving. Maintain normal rhythm on the ball.
• If possible, field ball slightly to throwing hand side to promote a quicker release.
• Once ball is secured, maintain squatting posture and rotate hips to the right. This will provide a good line of vision for the shortstop. Arm slot should be a high three-quarter release with a firm, yet soft touch exchange.

2. Slowly hit Groundball directly to second baseman:

• This ball should be charged with the possibility of tagging the runner from first base and then throwing to first baseman.
• This ball will most likely be caught in the baseline, so the feed will be of a "backhand" nature that requires a stiff wrist and a three fingered or palmed grip to minimize rotation and provide accuracy. Elevating the throwing elbow is important during the execution of the feed.
• Once ball is secured, come under control, and execute the proper feed. Younger players are encouraged to follow the feed at least two to three steps to ensure accuracy. This type of exchange must be practiced as much as possible.

3. Groundball hit to the right of the second baseman (Momentum going to the bag):

• Keep feet moving to create proper angle and timing to the ball.
• Do not raise eyes or nose too soon in anticipation of the feed. Play the ball.... not the feed.
• Once ball is secured, remove ball from glove and continue momentum toward second. Feed will be underhand and with somewhat of a stiff wrist. The ball should be slightly "palmed" with little rotation. Follow your throw at least three to five steps. Provide a good look for the shortstop.

4. Groundball hit to the left of the second baseman (Sharply hit):

• Get a strong, explosive crossover step with a minimal ninety-degree angle.
• Maintain concentration and do not rush play. If ball is juggled or bobbled at all, get the out at first base.
• Once ball is cleanly secured, establish posture and reverse pivot with good balance and vision. Make a strong, firm throw aimed at shortstop's glove side. The arm slot should probably be a low three-quarter delivery to be a little quicker on the release.

The shortstop is always prepared to use his right foot to be in contact with the back of the base. Like the second baseman on his pivot, chopping his steps is critical in coming under control to establish both reaction to the feed and timing for the pivot. The shortstop provides a "window" target and steps to the ball with his left foot. Once the ball is secured, the shortstop now drops his arm into a high three-quarter arm slot and aligns his body in the direction of first base. He wants to avoid having his momentum push him in the direction of right field.

CONCLUSION

In baseball, there are many ways and techniques to do things. Proper fundamentals are essential to playing good, winning baseball. The fundamentals should be emphasized and practiced daily whenever possible.

Turning the Double Play in my opinion is a trademark of a successful team. I truly believe it is the job of every coach to make this a priority for his team. Getting two outs on one play is very comparable to a "Defensive Home Run". It should be treated and celebrated exactly that way!