On a 4-6-3 double play in softball, the second baseman fields the ground ball and feeds the shortstop, who is covering second base. The shortstop touches the bag for the force out, moves out of the runner’s path and throws to first for the second out. A quick, accurate feed and clean footwork around the base matter far more than arm strength, because fastpitch distances are short and batters get down the line quickly. When the timing is off, the smart play is often to take the sure out rather than rush a throw. This guide covers the feed by distance, the shortstop’s footwork, communication, safety around the bag and drills to build a reliable double-play combination.
Rulebook note: Rules on sliding, interference and collisions at second base differ between NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball and youth leagues. Some leagues have specific rules requiring runners to slide or avoid contact. Check your league’s current rulebook.
The feed by distance
| Second baseman’s position | Typical feed |
|---|---|
| Very close to the bag | Underhand toss or glove flip |
| A few steps away, toward the bag | Short pivot and a firm sidearm or three-quarter throw |
| Far to the right side, toward first | Jump turn or drop-knee pivot and a chest-high throw |
| Very close to first base | Consider taking the sure out at first |
Positioning before the pitch
Double plays start with positioning. With a runner on first and fewer than two outs, many coaches move the middle infielders to double-play depth, a few steps closer to second base and slightly shallower than normal. This shortens the distance to the bag for the covering player and gives the fielder a better chance to make a quick feed. The tradeoff is less range on balls hit up the middle or into the holes, so positioning depends on the batter, the pitcher and the game situation. Fast batters and slappers may lead coaches to adjust further, as the double play becomes harder to complete.
Fielding to set up the feed
The second baseman’s fielding technique affects the speed of the feed. Field the ball out in front, with the glove down and the body under control, so the transfer can happen quickly. On balls hit directly at you, set your feet so that turning toward second is natural. On balls to your left, toward first, get around the ball slightly if time allows, so your momentum carries toward second rather than away from it. Secure the ball before you think about the feed: a bobble ends the double-play chance, while a clean pickup keeps both outs possible.
The second baseman’s feed
The feed should arrive at the shortstop’s chest, slightly to the side of the base, so they can catch and throw in one motion. Accuracy matters more than speed. A feed that pulls the shortstop off the base or forces them to reach wastes time and increases the risk of an error.
- Underhand toss: When close to the bag, show the ball to the shortstop, then toss it firmly underhand with a stiff wrist, following through toward the target.
- Glove flip: On balls fielded very close to the base, some players flip the ball from the glove, which is fast but requires practice.
- Pivot throw: When a few steps away, field the ball, turn the upper body toward second, and throw sidearm or three-quarters. Some players drop the right knee to pivot quickly.
- Jump turn: When fielding a ball far to the right, a jump turn rotates the body toward second so the throw can be made quickly.
The shortstop’s footwork
- Get to the bag early, as soon as the ball is hit toward the right side.
- Square up behind the base, giving the second baseman a clear target.
- Catch the ball with two hands if possible, securing it quickly.
- Touch the base, often by dragging the right foot across the back corner of the bag.
- Step toward first with the left foot and throw.
- Clear the base path to avoid the incoming runner.
Footwork styles vary between coaches, and some shortstops use a step-across technique or touch the base with the left foot and step toward the outfield side. The important thing is to be consistent, safe and quick. Practice the footwork enough that it becomes automatic.
Timing and communication
Before each pitch with a runner on first and fewer than two outs, the middle infielders should communicate who covers second on a ground ball to each side. Typically, the shortstop covers on balls to the right side and the second baseman covers on balls to the left side. The shortstop should call for the ball as they approach the bag, giving the second baseman a clear target. If the feed will be late or the runner is fast, the second baseman may choose to take the out at first instead.
When to take the sure out
Not every double-play chance should be attempted. If the second baseman fields the ball near first base, if the ball is hit slowly, or if the runner from first is very fast, the double play may be unrealistic. In these situations, getting one sure out is usually better than rushing a throw that could go wild. The shortstop should also be ready to hold the ball if the feed arrives too late to make a good throw to first.
Staying safe around the bag
Second base can be crowded, and collisions with sliding runners are a risk. The shortstop should touch the base and move out of the runner’s path quickly. Some shortstops step toward the outfield side of the bag or jump to avoid a sliding runner. Keep your eyes on the runner as well as the ball when possible. Practice footwork that allows you to throw while moving away from the runner. Leagues may have rules designed to protect fielders, but good technique remains the best protection.
Drills
- Feed drill: Second basemen practice underhand tosses, pivots and jump turns to a shortstop at the bag.
- Footwork drill: Shortstops practice catching feeds, touching the base and throwing to first without runners.
- Combination drill: A coach hits ground balls to the second baseman, and the pair completes the double play.
- Runner drill: Add runners at controlled speed so the shortstop practices clearing the base path safely.
- Timed drill: Time the double play from contact to the catch at first to track improvement.
The reverse: 6-4-3
When the ball is hit to the shortstop, the roles reverse: the shortstop feeds the second baseman, who covers second and throws to first. Practicing both combinations builds chemistry between the middle infielders. The principles of an accurate feed, quick footwork and clearing the base path are the same.
Common mistakes
- Inaccurate feeds that pull the shortstop off the base.
- Arriving late to the bag, leaving no time to set up.
- Rushing the first out, causing dropped balls.
- Staying in the runner’s path.
- Forcing the double play when the sure out is the better choice.
- No communication about coverage before the pitch.
- Throwing across the runner without adjusting position.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 4-6-3 double play?
A double play in which the second baseman (4) fields the ball, throws to the shortstop (6) covering second, who throws to the first baseman (3).
When should the second baseman use an underhand toss?
When they field the ball close to second base, where a firm underhand toss is quicker and more accurate than an overhand throw.
Who covers second base on a ground ball to the right side?
Usually the shortstop, while the second baseman covers on balls to the left side.
