"Coach Dunns Quick Pitches" -- By Coach Jack Dunn

THIS ARTICLE (PART II) FROM COACH DUNN FIRST APPEARED IN THE NEWSLETTER IN APRIL 2001.

The Double Play via the Free Right Foot Part II

The Free Right Foot Method: We have taught this method of pivoting to our second basemen for years and feel that it offers the following advantages:

1. It is easy to teach.
2. It is a simple method of pivoting.
3. The second baseman is out of the baseline when throwing.
4. He is always in position to throw.
5. Confidence is built quickly because success occurs early.
6. Good throwing rhythm and body balance are promoted.
7. Indecision as to footwork is eliminated.
8. Good lateral range is assured.

1. Tagging the Base: Upon arriving at the base, the second baseman tags the base with his left foot. The toe of the right foot is directly opposite the middle of the left foot, no farther back, as lateral movement would be impaired.

   1. Weight is on the balls of the feet.
   2. Knees are flexed.
   3. Feet are shoulder width apart.
   4. Glove and bare hand are chest high.fingers pointing up and hands are thumb to thumb.

   This ready position enables the second baseman to move quickly and will give him maximum fielding range.

2. The Pivot: A second baseman's initial step should always be with his right foot. The precise footwork that he will use depends upon the position of the throw. Three kinds of throws confront him:

   1. The perfect throw.
   2. The throw to his right.
   3. The throw to his left.

   Do not start your pivot until you know where the throw is; the ball will tell you where to step.

3. The Perfect Throw: When the throw is made directly over the base, the second baseman may use either of two methods in executing his pivot. Experience and practice will help him decide which move is more comfortable.

4. The Rocker Step: The left foot is in contact with the base as the ball is caught by the second baseman. He steps back with his right foot, transfers his weight to this foot, and then strides toward first base with his left foot and throws. The rocker step is one of the most common double play pivots, and has proved to be effective at all levels of play.

5. Step Across the Base: The second baseman steps across the base with his right foot as he catches the ball. The catch is made just before the right foot hits the ground. He plants his right foot, strides directly toward first base with his left foot, and throws. Stepping across the base on the perfect throw is by far the better of the two pivots for the following reasons:

   1. Second baseman goes to meet the baseball getting the pivot started sooner.
   2. Rhythm step is started before the ball is received.
   3. Second baseman is out of baseline to the inside of the diamond. This makes it more difficult to be "taken out" of the play.
   
   

6. The Throw to the Right: On a throw to the left field side of second base, the execution is rather simple. The second baseman steps to his right to make the catch, simultaneously shifting his weight to this foot. He strides toward first base with his left foot and throws. The base is tagged with the left foot by dragging it along the right field side of the base. If necessary, the entire width of the base should be utilized. This assures maximum fielding range to the outfield side of the base. Be sure that if the throw is extreme right that the second basemen leaves the base, then catches the ball and touches second base with the left foot for one sure out. REMEMBER IT IS BALL THEN BASE…GET ONE SURE OUT!

7. The Throw to the Left: The second baseman steps across the base with his right foot at approximately 45 degrees. The exact angle will depend upon how far the thrown is to his left. As the ball is caught, the weight is shifted to the right foot, the left foot steps toward first base, and the throw is completed.

8. The Late Arrival to the Base: The late arrival to the base results in the throw being received on the right field side of the base. The key here is that lateral movement must be maintained. As mentioned previously, this can be done by using chop steps. With the body weight under control, the second baseman will be able to shift laterally for the throw. When the ball is caught, the second baseman continues on, stepping on top of the base with his left foot. He steps over the base with his right foot, plants it, and strides toward first base with his left foot, completing the throw.

9. Getting out of the Runners Way: After stepping across the base with his right foot and completing his throw to first base, the second baseman steps with his right foot directly toward the mound, and swings his left foot behind his right, thus avoiding the sliding runner.

10. Velocity of Ground Balls: Many coaches grade the velocity of ground balls 1, 2, 3, or x, y, z - or, whatever method communicates. The purpose is to tell the infielder what their chance of completing the double play is.

    1. A "1" ground ball is a slow roller.no chance for a double play.make the out where the ball takes you.
    2. A "2" ground ball is a normal ground ball.double possible if ball is handled smoothly.
    3. A "3" ground ball is a smash.just execute and you have two outs.
    
    

11. Slow Rollers: The second baseman must move to the third base side of second base and receive the throw like a first baseman if no chance for a double exists, or there are two outs and the ball is hit slowly to the left side of the infield.

12. Arm Angle: To improve body balance and throwing rhythm, drop the throwing arm angle to 45 degrees when stepping across the second base and making the throw to first base. This arm angle is more compatible with the body momentum generated from stepping across second base and allows for a more fluid throwing rhythm.

CONCLUSION:

The FREE RIGHT FOOT METHOD of pivoting is in no way intended to keep the second baseman from developing his own style. As he becomes experienced and proficient, he should make adjustments in his pivoting and ideally, his own style will evolve.

The FREE RIGHT FOOT METHOD has proved to be an effective way of executing the double play, but like other methods, it must be practiced. Remember, the only way to develop a baseman's ability to make the double play pivot is practice, practice, practice.

BEING GOOD IS BEING CONSISTENT! MAKE THE ROUTINE PLAY! MAKE IT CONSISTENTLY AND MAKE IT UNDER PRESSURE!

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.