The 6-4-3 double play in softball starts with the shortstop fielding a ground ball and feeding the second baseman, who touches second base for the force out and throws to first for the second out. Because the bases are only 60 feet apart, the play must happen quickly, so both players rely on simple, repeatable footwork, a feed that matches the distance to the bag and a quick, accurate relay throw. When in doubt, taking the sure out is better than rushing into two errors.
This guide covers the shortstop’s feed options, the second baseman’s footwork at the bag, communication, drills, rules to know and the mistakes that turn double plays into extra bases.
Why the double play is harder in softball
Softball’s shorter base paths give fielders less time than in baseball. A fast runner can reach first base very quickly, especially from the left-handed batter’s box. That means the double play is realistic mainly on routine, well-hit ground balls fielded cleanly near the bag. Defenses often focus on getting the lead-runner force out first and completing the double play only when time allows.
Shortstop feed options
| Distance from second | Feed | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Very close | Underhand toss | Show the ball early so the second baseman can see it out of the glove |
| Medium | Short, firm sidearm or three-quarter throw | Stay low and throw without a big windup |
| Deep in the hole | Overhand throw, or take the sure out at first | Only feed second if the throw is realistic |
| Moving toward the bag | Step on second yourself | The shortstop can take the base unassisted and throw to first |
Aim the feed at the second baseman’s chest, slightly on the first-base side of the bag. This helps the second baseman catch and transfer in one motion toward first base.
Second baseman footwork
- Get to the bag early. Break toward second as soon as the ball is hit to the left side and arrive under control.
- Square up to the shortstop. Face the feed with your hands ready at chest level.
- Catch with two hands. A two-handed catch speeds up the transfer to the throwing hand.
- Touch the base. The most common method is to drag the left foot across the back corner of the bag, then step toward first with the right foot and throw.
- Alternative footwork. Some players step on the bag with the right foot and push back away from the runner, or step across the bag and throw from the inside, depending on the feed and the runner.
- Throw to first. Make a firm, accurate throw chest-high to the first baseman.
- Clear the runner. After releasing, move out of the base path to avoid collisions.
Communication between the middle infielders
Before each pitch with a runner on first and fewer than two outs, the shortstop and second baseman should agree on who covers second on a ground ball and who covers on a steal. A quick glove signal or open-mouth and closed-mouth sign is common. During the play, the fielder covering the bag can call “Here!” or “Two!” so the fielder with the ball knows the base is covered. If the feed is not realistic, the fielder with the ball should call “One!” and take the out at first.
When to turn two and when to take one
- Turn two on a routine ground ball hit near the shortstop with a normal runner on first and a batter who is not especially fast.
- Take the lead out only when the ball is hit slowly or deep in the hole, making the relay to first unlikely.
- Take the sure out at first if the feed to second is risky, especially late in close games.
- Watch the score and outs. With a big lead, the sure out may be enough. In a tight game with the tying run on base, the lead-runner force can be more valuable.
Drills to build the double play
- Feed drill. Shortstops field rolled balls at different distances and practice each type of feed to a second baseman.
- Footwork at the bag. Second basemen receive feeds and practice dragging the left foot and throwing to first.
- Timed double plays. Use a stopwatch to time the play from contact to the catch at first, aiming to improve consistency.
- Live runners. Add runners to practice clearing the base path and throwing accurately under pressure.
- Communication reps. Run repeated situations where the fielders must call coverage before each pitch.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the first out. Trying to throw before securing the ball often costs both outs.
- Late coverage. A second baseman who arrives at the bag with the ball has no time to set the feet.
- Feeds to the wrong side. Throws that pull the second baseman away from first slow the relay.
- Missing the bag. Umpires need to see the base touched while the fielder holds the ball.
- Standing in the base path. Staying on the bag after the throw invites collisions with the runner.
- Forcing it every time. Not every ground ball with a runner on first is a realistic double play.
Rules to know
For a force out at second, the fielder must have possession of the ball while touching the base before the runner arrives. Umpires expect a clear touch, so fielders should not rely on simply being near the bag. Runners must not deliberately interfere with fielders turning a double play, and fielders must not block a runner’s path without the ball, which can be called obstruction. Many softball leagues also use a double first base, with a colored safety base in foul territory for the runner and a white base in fair territory for the fielder, which affects where the first baseman receives the throw. Rules on interference, obstruction, sliding and the double base vary between organizations.
Rulebook and safety note
Check the current NCAA, NFHS, USA Softball or league rulebook for your level, especially on interference, obstruction, slides and the double first base. Double plays involve fast runners and fielders at close quarters, so teach middle infielders to clear the base path after throwing and teach runners legal slides. Players should report any collision injury to a coach or athletic trainer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 6-4-3 double play?
It is a double play where the shortstop (6) fields the ball and throws to the second baseman (4) for a force out at second, who then throws to the first baseman (3) for the second out.
How should the shortstop feed the second baseman?
Use an underhand toss when very close, a short sidearm or three-quarter throw from medium range and an overhand throw from deeper, aiming at the chest on the first-base side of the bag.
Why are double plays harder in softball than baseball?
Softball bases are only 60 feet apart, so runners reach first base quickly. That leaves fielders much less time to complete both outs.
