Playing Second Base
Approach with Nobody on Base
When there are no runners on base the second baseman has the luxury of playing fairly deep since the throw from the second base position to first base is rather short. However, the second baseman should not play so deep that he can not throw out the runner at first on a routine play or cover first in the event of a bunt.
Approach with a Runner on First
When there is a runner on first base the second baseman should move in and towards second base a little bit. The second baseman wants to be closer to the second base bag so that he can be available on a force out, potential double play ball or stolen base attempt.
Double Play Balls
If a groundball is hit to the second baseman with less than two outs he should be thinking about making a double play. His first priority is fielding the ball cleanly and getting the lead out at second base. Once he fields the ball he wants to deliver it to the shortstop with a good clean throw, leading the shortstop as he moves toward the bag. If the second baseman is close to second base he should throw the ball underhand. If he is further away he should deliver the ball overhand or with a cross body flip. Our Throwing section has instructions on how to deliver the ball to the shortstop on a double play attempt.
When the ball is hit to the third baseman or shortstop the second baseman must cover the second base bag to get the force out and potentially turn the double play. The way that the second baseman receives the ball will depend on his proximity to the base and where the ball is thrown to.
Left Foot to the Bag
This is probably the most used method for youth players because it is the most flexible. It gives the second baseman the most options for receiving the ball and making the throw to first for the double play. As the second baseman gets close to the bag he should begin taking smaller steps so he can effectively time his catch and stepping on the bag. The way the second baseman turns the double play depends on how he receives the ball.
- If the second baseman reaches the base on time and the throw is on target to him he should touch the bas with his left foot, step off the base towards the pitcher’s mound, plant his right foot and complete the throw to first.
- If the second baseman reaches the base on time and the throw is to his right the second baseman should time the play so that he catches the ball, then steps on second with his left foot and use his momentum to carry him toward shortstop, then plant his right foot and throw.
- If the second baseman can get to second base early and the throw is on target the second baseman should place his left foot on the base, step towards first with his right foot as he catches the ball, then step with his left foot and complete the throw to first. If the runner on first is fast or has a good jump the second base should step with his right foot towards the pitcher's mound to get out of the way of the runner, plant his right foot and throw to first.
- If the second baseman can get to second base early and the throw is to his right the second baseman should push off with his left foot towards his right, plant his right foot behind second base, and complete the throw to first.
Right Foot to the Bag
The second baseman will use his right foot to touch the bag if he is late getting to the base or if the throw is made to his left. The second baseman simply receives the ball, touches the bag with his right foot the steps and throws to first.
Go to Straddling the Bag at Second Base.