1. Making throws to first

Shortstops have a long throw. Gauge your throw on your arm strength. Do you need to be quicker (weaker arm) or can you take your time more (stronger arm). Always remember to align your body to your target for more consistent throws and work on getting a four seam grip.

2. Making throws to second

As with second baseman, there are a variety of throws you can make to start a double play. The underhand toss (closer to the bag), the pivot and throw (medium distance), and the longer throw from the the hole. With the underhand toss, get the ball out of your glove and show it to the second baseman and follow your throw with your body and get your momentum moving toward your target. With the medium throw, stay down in your stance and just pivot. With the throw from the hole, keep a firm backside to get something behind your throw.

3. Turning double play

Give the second baseman a good target (with hands up) and place right foot on top or on the backside of the bag to remain out of the way of the runner. Remember, getting the out at second is most important and if you have to act like a first baseman to get the out, do it. When turning to throw to the first baseman to complete the play, ensure your body gets a full turn toward first with your front side pointing toward your target for consistent throws. Make your throw and get out of the path of the runner.

4. Covering second on steal

Again, textbook coverage is straddling the bag. Your first priority is catching the ball, then tagging the runner. First and foremost, go to the ball and catch it, then apply the tag with glove hand only.

5. Backing up second on steal

Wait until the pitch has passed the plate before you make your break to back up the throw. This will keep you in position a split second longer in case the ball is hit toward your position. When backing up, try and get about 15-20 feet behind the bag.

6. Positioning

With no one on base, play deeper to get more range. With a runner on first, get to double play depth. That is, don’t play so deep and get a few steps closer to second base. This will make getting to second base easier and quicker.

7. First step quickness

This requires a good creep step. The step sequence is right-left. Hands should be out in front of you, knees inside of feet, feet a little wider than shoulder width apart and weight on the balls of your feet in an athletic position. Some infielders like to take a hop after the creep step. Either way, creep step or creep step with a hop, you should time it to coincide the the pitch crossing the hitting area.

8. How to think as a shortstop

Getting good breaks on balls is all about timing and positioning. Knowing the hitter, the pitcher and the pitch to be thrown can all help. Always know what pitch is being thrown and adjust your position according. A step left or right can make all the difference in the world in getting to balls. Adjust your position according to how the hitter is swinging and/or how hard your pitcher is throwing. Think ahead as to what you are going to do before the ball is hit to you. Expect the ball.

Drills

1. Taking ground balls and throwing to first.
2. Feeding second baseman on double plays.
3. Getting throws from second baseman and turning double plays.
4. During playing catch; work on pivot throw to partner, short hops, getting ball out of glove quickly.

Fun advanced drills:

1. Slow rollers and throwing to first.
2. Making diving stops of ground balls.
3. With a ball on the ground, have shortstop run to it, pick it up, turn and throw to second base.