Infield Drill: Middle Infield Double Play Drills (Baseball & Softball)
Practice the middle infield feeds for turning double plays. Work on both shortstop-to-second (6-4) and second baseman-to-short (4-6) feeds using underhand flips.
How to Run This Drill
- Divide players into two groups: one at shortstop, one at second base.
- Coach positions near home plate and rolls ground balls to the shortstop.
- The second baseman breaks to the bag, places their left foot on the base, and presents both hands as a chest-high target.
- Shortstop fields the ball and delivers an underhand flip to the second baseman, who catches and simulates the throw to first.
- After several reps, switch to 4-6 feeds where the second baseman fields and flips to the shortstop covering.
- Players rotate to the opposite line after each turn. Progress to completing the full double play throw to first.
Coaching Points
- The covering player must arrive early enough to be a stationary target
- Break to the bag the moment the ball is hit
- Coach should roll from a realistic angle - not directly in front
- Flip should be chest-high with firm wrist - don't let it float
- Footwork differs: 6-4 uses left foot on bag, 4-6 uses right foot
At a Glance
- bucket of balls
- cones or markers
- first basemen (optional)
Quick Actions
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