Turning a double play takes three things done quickly and cleanly: an accurate feed to second base, efficient footwork at the bag, and a strong, on-target throw to first. The whole play has to happen in roughly the time it takes the batter to run to first, often four to four and a half seconds at amateur levels. Middle infielders practice specific feeds and pivots over and over so the play becomes automatic, because a half-second of hesitation is usually the difference between two outs and one.
Common Types of Double Plays
Double plays are described with position numbers, showing the path of the ball from fielder to fielder.
| Play | Path of the ball | Typical situation |
|---|---|---|
| 6-4-3 | Shortstop to second baseman to first baseman | Ground ball to the shortstop with a runner on first |
| 4-6-3 | Second baseman to shortstop to first baseman | Ground ball to the second baseman with a runner on first |
| 5-4-3 | Third baseman to second baseman to first baseman | Ground ball to the third baseman; the longest around-the-horn double play |
| 1-6-3 | Pitcher to shortstop to first baseman | Comebacker to the pitcher |
| 3-6-3 | First baseman to shortstop and back to the first baseman or pitcher covering | Ground ball to the first baseman |
| 6-3 (shortstop takes the bag himself) | Shortstop steps on second and throws to first | Ground ball hit right to the bag |
The Feed: Getting the Ball to Second
The feed sets up the entire play. A good feed arrives chest high, on the throwing-hand side of the fielder covering second, at a speed he can handle. The right type depends on distance.
- Underhand toss (very close): When the ball is fielded near the bag, show the ball to the pivot man and toss it firmly with a stiff wrist, following the toss toward the base.
- Backhand flip (second baseman, close): From near the bag, a second baseman can flip the ball backhand to the shortstop.
- Short sidearm or dart throw (medium): From a few steps away, a quick sidearm throw from a low position is fastest.
- Full overhand throw (far): When the ball is fielded deep in the hole or near the line, set your feet and make a firm overhand throw aimed chest high over the bag.
A key habit is showing the ball early. When the pivot man can see the ball come out of the glove, he can time his approach and receive it cleanly.
The Pivot at Second Base
The pivot man has the hardest job: receiving the feed, touching the base and throwing to first while a runner slides toward him.
| Fielder | Common pivots | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Second baseman | Drag the left foot across the back of the bag; step on the bag and push back out of the runner’s path; straddle and throw from behind the base | His back is to the runner, so clearing the base line is vital |
| Shortstop | Touch the bag with the left foot moving toward first; step across the bag with the right foot and throw from the inside | He is moving toward first, so momentum helps his throw |
How to Turn a 6-4-3 Double Play Step by Step
- Pre-pitch positioning. With a runner on first and fewer than two outs, middle infielders often shade a step or two closer to second base and slightly in, shortening the distance to the bag.
- Communicate coverage. Before the pitch, the shortstop and second baseman decide who covers second on a ball hit back to the pitcher, often signaled with an open or closed mouth behind the glove.
- Field the ball cleanly. The shortstop gets in front of the ball and secures it first. A rushed bobble ruins both outs.
- Deliver the feed. Based on distance, the shortstop chooses a toss, sidearm throw or full throw, aiming chest high over the bag.
- Approach the bag under control. The second baseman gets to the base early, then breaks down with short steps so he can adjust to any feed.
- Receive, touch and clear. He catches the ball with two hands near the chest, touches the base and steps away from the runner’s path.
- Make a quick, strong throw. A fast transfer and a firm throw to the first baseman’s chest completes the play. If the runner is clearly safe, hold the ball rather than risk a wild throw.
Double Play Drills
- Feed drill: Partners stand at short and second and practice each feed type from different distances without a runner.
- Pivot drill: A coach tosses balls to the pivot man from several angles so he can practice every footwork option.
- Quick hands drill: Players receive and transfer the ball from glove to throwing hand as fast as possible, counting clean reps in 30 seconds.
- Timed double plays: A coach hits ground balls while a runner goes from home to first. Timing the play shows players how quick they must be.
- Runner avoidance: At walking speed first, a runner slides toward the bag so pivot men learn to clear the base safely.
Rulebook note: Under Rule 6.01(j) of the Official Baseball Rules, adopted in 2016, a runner breaking up a double play must make a bona fide slide: begin the slide before the base, be able to reach it with a hand or foot, try to stay on it, and not change path to initiate contact. A violation can result in the batter-runner being called out as well. NFHS has its own force-play slide rule that requires runners to slide directly into the base or avoid the fielder, and NCAA rules differ again. Check the rulebook for your level.
Health note: Pivot men are exposed to sliding runners. Teach safe footwork that clears the base line, practice at controlled speeds before going live and never encourage players to stand in a runner’s path.
Common Double Play Mistakes
- Rushing the first out. Trying to turn two before securing the ball often leads to zero outs. Get the sure out first.
- Poor feeds. Throws that tail into the runner or arrive low make the pivot far harder.
- Arriving at the bag too late. Late coverage forces the pivot man to reach, slowing the throw.
- Standing on the bag. Staying in the runner’s path invites collisions and bad throws.
- Forcing a throw. If the runner is clearly safe, hold the ball to avoid giving away an extra base.
- Skipping communication. Not deciding who covers on comebackers creates confusion and missed chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to turn a double play?
Quick feeds and efficient footwork matter more than raw arm strength. Underhand tosses or short sidearm throws on close plays, a fast transfer at second and a direct throw to first save the most time.
Who covers second on a ball hit back to the pitcher?
It depends on the hitter and the team’s plan. Often the shortstop covers, especially against right-handed pull hitters, but middle infielders should agree before each pitch.
Why do infielders sometimes miss the base on double plays?
In older eras, umpires often allowed the neighborhood play, where the fielder was near the bag. Since 2016, MLB makes these plays reviewable, so fielders must touch the base. Amateur umpires also expect a clear touch.
