There are many ways to turn a double play. I have found that most high school and many summer coaches do not teach a proper double play pivot. Many coaches leave it up to the players to figure out. Whatever works for the girls is what is used. There are pivots that can be taught and should be practiced daily. Each pivot used by a middle infielder will depend on the game situation, how and where the ball is hit, and how and where the baserunner is in the basepath.

If coaches expect their middle infielders to turn the double play, then they must teach the basic pivots step by step and then these must be practiced to perfect the timing required. I this article, I will explain several pivots for both of the middle infielder. Each pivot will have a drawing to illustrate that required footwork for the explained pivot.

Many coaches teach the middle infielders to go station to station. That is, to get to the bag and catch the throw and then throw to first to complete the double play. This method will not force out quicker runners or slap hitters, or the drag bunter. To complete the DP against these type players, the middle infielders will need to utilize near perfect timing to catch the first throw, and then throw to the next base to complete the double play. The number one rule in teaching the DP pivot is to ensure that one out is always made. To ensure this, the pivot person must have a good throw from the fielder. If possible, the ideal out to get is the lead runner. If this is not possible, due to a poor throw, a slowly hit ground ball, or for whatever reason, the out at first is still essential. I have seen many great middle infielders turn double plays, and like most hard skills, the great ones make this difficult defensive play look easy. This is not an easy skill to master. Players should spend ten minutes at every practice on this skill. This is called the 10-minute drill session. The catcher, pitcher, third baseman, and first baseman work together throwing feeds to each other and then on the specific pivots that I will explain., I want to now break down the steps needed to turn the double play.

The pivot person must catch the ball before she can go on to the other steps. The best way to begin the pivot is to get to the base quickly, keeping balance. The pivot person must "cheat" towards the base and when she sees where the ball is hit - break quickly to the bag. The pivot person should get her feet shoulder width apart, the glove at shoulder level, and the hips lined up towards the infielder throwing the ball. The pivot person must be prepared for a bad throw. She must make the catch, even if it means she doesn't turn the double play. She should make very effort to get to the bag and get the force out. The throw should be to the pivot person's glove side and again at shoulder level. The shoulder height throw gives the pivot person the best position to throw to first base. The pivot person should bend her knees to lower her center of gravity, keeping her body under control. The pivot person must now touch second base and then pivot.

I teach three pivots for the shortstop and the second baseman. First, the shortstop takes the throw from the second baseman or the first baseman. The shortstop approaches with her should facing the thrower. As she catches the ball, her right foot is placed on the third base side of second base. Her next step is with her left foot, planting it on the left side of the bag, with the left foot facing first base. She then drags her right foot across the bag; then replants her left foot while throwing to first base.

The second type of pivot for the shortstop, is when she takes the throw with her right foot on the bag as she catches the ball; she steps toward first base, making the throw. This is the most basic pivot and can only be used when the hitter has hit the ball relatively hard to the first baseman or the second baseman. This will not be successful in any other type of ground ball. The short stop will be taken out by the base runners.

The last type of pivot I will explain, is referred to as a jump step pivot as the throw is in the air the shortstop takes a short step toward the ball with her left foot attempting to catch the ball just as her foot makes contact with the ground. At the time the ball is caught, the right foot is in contact with the base on the back edge away from the plate. At the time the ball is transferred from the glove to the throwing hand, the shortstop jump step pivots so that the right foot that was in contact with the base ends up close to where the left foot initially was. This will enable the shortstop to clear the base line, and at the same time position herself to throw to first base. The direction of the pivot should not carry the shortstop too far out towards rights field while trying to throw the first base. The initial step with the left foot toward the ball should also not be so long the pivot person loses control of her body which would prevent a smooth jump pivot. Once the right foot lands, the left foot steps towards first base to throw the ball. Most pivoting at 2B is done somewhat close to the bag, which means contact will be made on many occasion on slow hit balls or ball that take an infielder in her left or right. The fear of getting hit by a sliding runner has caused many erratic throw (s) to first base. Getting out of the way of the runner, can only take place once the ball is in the air to first base. If the pivot person is being hit or about to be hit with the throwing arm while going back, it is best to not throw to first base.

The first type of pivot on the second base can make is a push off pivot. The second base squares her shoulders towards the infielder throwing her the ball. Her left foot is planted on the outfield side of the bag. After catching the ball, she pushes off the bag with her left foot, clearing the base line placing herself into position to throw to first base. The right foot is planted back just over shoulder right width apart. As she pushed off the bag with her either foot, she can jump over a sliding runner if needed.

The second pivot for second base is the slide pivot. The second baseman approaches the bag quickly and sets up both feet to the glove side of second base. The ball should be delivered to the glove side which will be almost directly over the bag giving the third base and short stop a good target. As the ball is in flight and if it is thrown correctly, the second baseman slides her left foot towards first base, she then drags her right foot towards first base touching the bag with the toes of her right shoe. From this position, the second baseman can easily jump over the base runner in the base path.