Two Hands Double Play

Setup

This drill requires a few baseballs, at least three players, and a coach to hit ground balls. 

Instructions

The players will setup in normal playing positions with a first baseman, second baseman, and shortstop. The coach will alternate hitting the second baseman and shortstop ground balls. The fielder not fielding the ball will cover second base to receive the throw from the fielder. The player fielding the ground ball will toss the ball to the player on second base. The player on second base is to catch the ball with the back of their closed glove. This will force the player to have the throwing hand ready so that the ball doesn’t bounce off the glove. After catching the ball the player on second will throw the ball to first base. To emphasize using two hands, it may be easier to execute the drill with no gloves for a younger group.

Variations

To emphasize using two hands, it may be easier to execute the drill with no gloves for a younger group.

Coaching Points

• Emphasize a fluid motion for both the fielder and player on second base.  This will allow the double play to execute faster.
• The fielder should also have the throwing hand ready while fielding the ball to quickly toss it to the player on second base.
• The timing of the player covering second base is crucial.  The double play motion needs to be smooth.  By catching the ball “softly” on the back of the glove teaches the player to accept the ball while immediately starting the throwing motion.

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