Double Play Turns – SS is an infield drill designed to introduce, teach, and train the double play turn from the SS position.

EXECUTION – This drill is run at the shortstop area, close to 2nd base bag, and also involves a catch net and two cones.  The athlete line will form behind first cone, while the ‘live’ athlete will step forward to second cone (closer to the 2nd base bag).  All throws will be made to the net.

Introduction – Begin the drill by first walking through proper footwork of the shortstop’s turn.  Approach the bag, place right foot behind the bag as ball is received, place left foot, shuffle/click and throw.  Position three cones to guide footwork – RF, LF, shuffle/click & throw. Execution of the shortstop double play turn is as follows:

• Right – Right foot plants in front of cone placed just behind the SS side of bag.
• Left – Left foot in front of cone placed just behind 2B side of bag.
• Shuffle & Click, Throw – Shuffle & click the heels as body turns towards first base and throws.

Repetitions – Begin repetitions with a ball in the glove (no direct feed).  Line the athletes at SS area, each with a ball in hand.  Start with a walking pace and a baseball in the hand already.  Quantity of reps will vary by age and skill level, but ensure each has felt proper footwork before adding a feed from coach.

Next, add a feed from coach.  Ensure that the athlete initially receives the ball before the R / L / Click & Throw.  As appropriate, eliminate the “early” timing of the feed position yourself at shallow 2B area to accurately feed the outside of the bag.  Increase pace as appropriate and vary location of feeds.  Have fun with competition throws to target net (set appropriate distance towards 1B) and finish the drill by allowing the athletes to execute “great plays.”  Examples include jumping over a sliding runner, sidearm throws, or barehand grabs (no glove).  Consider athlete feeds when appropriate and live double plays!!

DC KEYS

1. Ball before Bag – Begin this drill with a ball in glove, then use an early-feed (get athlete ball before footwork), then challenge the athletes with a catch-then-turn executed quickly.
2. Slow for Success – Degree of difficulty increases with pace and live feed, control your energy and delivery so all athletes focus on quality execution.
3. Click the Heels – This skipping motion, where athletes click their heels together, has proven a terrific way for athletes to understand the movement “around” the second base bag.  The right foot trails on the click, with the foot/toe bumping into the base and the body turning into throwing position, during the heel-click.

EQUIPMENT LIST