Title
Demonstration of three footwork patterns for executing double plays at second base: right-side approach, crossing the bag, and behind-the-bag positioning.
Compilation
If this video stacks several distinct drills back-to-back, split it into individual, draggable drills — each with its own clip, steps, and tags.
Coach's take
Great for building: Efficient footwork patterns and quick transfers for second base double plays.
Builds toward Turning quick, accurate double plays from various fielding positions at second base, enabling a smooth transition to higher levels of play.
What it is
Coach demonstrates three footwork patterns for second baseman on double-play feeds. First pattern: receiving on the right side of the bag with left foot forward, transitioning into right-left throwing stance. Second: cutting across the bag with either a set throwing position or throwing on the run while managing forward momentum. Third: positioning already set behind the bag, using a simple transfer and throw while watching for sliding runners.
What it practices
Double-play footwork timing and positioning at the bag. Teaches receiving-to-throw transitions from three common feed angles, proper body alignment into throwing stance, and awareness of runner contact at the bag.
Focuses on improving
Develops footwork efficiency and accuracy on the pivot for infielders executing double plays, addressing common mistakes in momentum management when turning the ball over quickly.
How to run it
5-8 reps per footwork pattern, then switch sides if applicable or rotate players.Setup
- 1Place one base bag at the second base position on the infield.
- 2A coach or partner stands roughly 10-15 feet towards shortstop to roll or toss balls to the second baseman.
- 3The second baseman stands near the bag, ready to receive.
Run the drill
- 1For Pattern 1 (Right-Side Default): Receive a ball while approaching the bag with the left foot landing on the right side of the bag. Catch the ball, step with the right foot, then the left foot, squaring hips towards first base, and throw to a target at first base.
- 2For Pattern 2 (Cutting Across): Receive a ball while stepping across the bag. Catch the ball, then either step right-left and throw linearly towards first, or throw on the run while moving towards first base.
- 3For Pattern 3 (Behind the Bag): Stand slightly behind the bag with feet already in a throwing-ready position. Receive the ball, transfer immediately, and throw to a target at first base.
Coaching cues
- Low in your legs.
- Square up to first.
- Quick transfer.
- Left foot on the bag (Pattern 1).
- Attack the bag (Pattern 2).
- Ready behind the bag (Pattern 3).
Common mistakes
- Standing too tall, reducing momentum and balance.
- Not squaring shoulders and hips to first base before throwing.
- Slow glove-to-hand transfer, delaying the throw.
- Crow-hopping or taking too many steps, especially when throwing on the run.
- Not being mindful of the runner's path through the bag.
Progressions
- Increase the speed of the incoming ball.
- Vary the location of the incoming ball (forehand, backhand).
- Add a live runner to simulate game speed and pressure.
- Combine with a feed from a shortstop or third baseman.
Coach notes
transcript
[00:02] Here are the three footwork patterns you need to know at second base. And for all [00:03] need to know at second base. And for all these double plays, you need to make [00:05] these double plays, you need to make sure you're low in your legs and [00:06] sure you're low in your legs and squaring up to wherever the target is. [00:08] squaring up to wherever the target is. First is your default on the right side [00:10] First is your default on the right side of the bag. Here we're getting to it [00:11] of the bag. Here we're getting to it early with our left foot on catching it [00:13] early with our left foot on catching it and getting into our right left throwing [00:15] and getting into our right left throwing pattern. Next is cutting across the bag. [00:18] pattern. Next is cutting across the bag. On this, you either get into your right [00:20] On this, you either get into your right left and throw as linear as possible or [00:22] left and throw as linear as possible or you throw on the run. This one can get [00:25] you throw on the run. This one can get messed up a lot because your momentum's [00:27] messed up a lot because your momentum's going across your body. So, make sure [00:29] going across your body. So, make sure you're just careful on the throw. Last [00:31] you're just careful on the throw. Last is behind the bag. On this, you can [00:33] is behind the bag. On this, you can already have your feet set up and just [00:35] already have your feet set up and just transfer and throw. Just be mindful of [00:37] transfer and throw. Just be mindful of the runner sliding through the bag. Save [00:39] the runner sliding through the bag. Save this. I'm Coach Murf and I coach [00:40] this. I'm Coach Murf and I coach baseball.