Infield Drill: 2nd Baseman Drop Step Throw (Baseball & Softball)
Develop second baseman's ability to quickly pivot and make short, accurate dart throws to second base on double play balls.
How to Run This Drill
- Players are in the second baseman and shortstop positions
- Coach is near home plate (closer is ok), hits ground balls the 2nd baseman
- 2nd baseman fields the ground ball by getting their body behind the ball and pivots on their glove foot and brings their throwing foot back to open up to 2nd base, staying low, to throw a short dartthrow to the shortstop covering 2nd base
- 2nd baseman should not use full throwing motion when making a dart throw, only a very short throwing motion
- Shortstop covers 2nd base to receive the flip from the 2nd baseman
- Coach hits 10 ground balls to the 2nd baseman, and then the shortstop and 2nd baseman switch positions
- This can also be done with shortstops making dart throws to 3rd base. You can get all infield positions involved.
Coaching Points
- Pivot on glove foot as you catch the ball
- Drop step with throwing foot to open to second base
- Stay low through the pivot - don't stand up
- Short, quick dart throw - not full throwing motion
- Throw should be chest high and on the bag side
- Quick feet, quick hands - this is about speed
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Infield
Focus Areas
2nd BaseShortstop
Age Groups
11-1213-1415-1617-1818+9-10
Players
2-6 players
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment Needed
- bases
- baseballs or softballs
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills
Infieldintermediate
2nd Baseman Forehand Spin
Advanced double play feed where second baseman uses a forehand spin move to deliver the ball to the shortstop covering second.
View drill
Infieldintermediate
2nd Baseman Underhand Flip
Classic underhand flip feed from second baseman to shortstop, the most common and reliable double play feed from second base.
View drill
Infieldintermediate
2nd Baseman Backhand Flip
Teach second basemen the backhand flip feed to shortstop for double plays, emphasizing ball control and accuracy.
View drill
Add This Drill to Your Practice Plan
Use our free Practice Planner to build complete practice plans with this drill and 100+ others. Drag and drop to customize timing and order.
Try the Practice PlannerFree forever - No account required