InfieldAdvanced

Infield Double-Play Turn (Advanced) Drill

Beyond the basic pivot, advanced middle infielders learn multiple double-play turn footwork options — the standard pivot, the jump turn, and the feed — to fit whatever throw they receive.

Age RangeAges 15+
Duration15 minutes
Group Size5+ players
SportBaseball

Equipment Needed

  • Balls
  • Bases

Keep practice balls on hand

A bucket of practice baseballs keeps advanced double-play turns moving at full game speed.

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Setup

  • Set a full infield with a coach hitting ground balls at game speed to different infield spots.
  • A middle infielder covers second base for each variation.
Infield Double-Play Turn (Advanced) Drill2Bjump turnSSStandard pivot, jump turn, or feed — matched to the type of ground ball

Instructions

  1. On a ball hit to the shortstop, the second baseman receives the feed and executes a standard pivot, dragging the foot across the bag.
  2. On a slow roller, the shortstop feeds with a underhand toss and the second baseman uses a jump-turn to clear the bag quickly.
  3. On a ball hit directly at the bag, the fielder receiving it may need to feed the covering player with a backhand or across-the-body toss.
  4. Rotate through all the variations so infielders see the full range of double-play looks.
Coaching Points
  • Reading the type of ground ball early lets the infielder anticipate which turn technique will actually be needed.
  • The jump turn is faster on close plays but sacrifices some arm strength on the throw — teach when each technique is worth the tradeoff.
  • Clear communication about which base is getting the first out (if a double play isn't there) prevents a costly no-out mistake.
  • This advanced footwork only pays off with real repetition against live-speed ground balls, not slow-rolled feeds.

Variation

Add a runner sliding hard into second to practice turning away from contact safely, or time double-play turns for a competitive element.