All ages
Fielding / Infield
All positions
Intermediate
Shortstop Double Play Pivot (Ripken)
Proper footwork for shortstops turning the double play: right foot to bag, left foot to the ball, turn feet and shoulder to first.
- Equipment:
- Glove
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Small group
Coaching notes
Classic Ripken method emphasizing getting to the bag early, attacking the baseball with the left foot, and aligning the throw to first.
Objectives
Quick, accurate double-play turns from the shortstop side; improve footwork under pressure.
Coaching cues
Get to bag early; right foot on bag; left foot attacks the ball; turn feet so shoulder points to first; no need to cheat if feet are good.
Common errors
Late to the bag; wrong foot; failing to turn the body; long arm action.
Steps
- 1. Get to bag early with right foot on bag
- 2. Left foot attacks the incoming ball
- 3. Turn feet and shoulder toward first
- 4. Release throw
- 5. Reps under increasing pressure
Source:
Ripken Baseball
