Infield: Double Plays, Throws, Footwork and Communication

Originally Published in: Practice Perfect Softball - NFCA

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Good footwork on a double-play ball allows the player to get rid of the ball as fast as possible. When receiving a ball from the pitcher or second base man, the shortstop should position herself behind the base with the glove hand and throwing hand up. As she comes across, the throwing-side foot should drag across the back corner of the base, and the transfer of the ball to the throwing hand should happen quickly. If she is receiving a ball from the catcher or first baseman, the shortstop wants to position herself on the inside part of second base. This positioning will allow her to avoid the runner while still turning the double play. On this play, the glove-side foot hits the inside part of the base. After hitting the base, she moves her weight quickly on to her back foot to complete the throw. In all cases, making the first out is paramount on a potential double play, so the shortstop needs to recognize plays when she may have to take the throw as a first baseman would.

When the shortstop is the one making the initial play off the ground ball, she can use several techniques to transfer the ball quickly to the second baseman to speed up the double play. When moving toward the middle, the shortstop uses a flip. She should communicate to the second baseman that a flip is coming. If the ball is hit right at the right-handed shortstop, she can quickly move her weight to her right foot and use a three-quarter or side-armed throw to get rid of the ball quickly. When the shortstop is moving to her backhand side toward the 5-6 hole, she makes a full throw back to second base.

One of the most important parts of being able to turn double plays is the players knowing the situation and communicating with each other. Yelling, "Two," "Flip," "Yes, yes," or "No, no" can help the player fielding the ball know where she should be going with it and how it should get there.

DOUBLE-PLAY FOOTWORK

Equipment

Softballs

Setup

Bucket of balls and coach set up behind pitchers' circle

Execution

Coach rolls ball to second baseman who starts double-play flip or throw to shortstop who is coming across the bag. Then coach rolls ball to shortstop who throws or flips to second baseman who is coming across the bag (figure 10.7).