How to Make a Double Play in Baseball

A double play in baseball is often called a pitcher's best friend because it gets him not just one, but two valuable outs with a runner on base. A good infield can go a long way to helping the pitcher by being able to turn a double play on any ground ball. Become good at turning a double play and your defense can save a lot of games.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get into double play position. Both the shortstop and second baseman should be about four steps back and four steps to the right or left of the second base bag so that the person covering the base on the double play attempt will have plenty of time to get to the bag.

2. Field the ball quickly and cleanly, and then make an accurate throw to the person covering the base. Aim for a chest-level throw, and keep it as accurate as possible so your teammate does not have to move out of position to catch it.

3. Cover the bag if you're the infielder who is in charge of the base to which the lead runner is running. Straddle it and make the catch, and then step back away from the runner, sliding your toe across the bag to record the out.

4. Throw the ball to the first baseman once you're certain you've touched the bag and recorded the out. Make an accurate, hard throw to first, as your throw is trying to beat the runner running to first base.

Tips & Warnings

• Many players will try to break up a double play attempt by using a take-out slide. Be prepared for the runner to try to slide into your feet and knock you over. Practice jumping up out of the way of a sliding runner so you can avoid these situations in games.

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