Middle-Infielders Double Play Drill
February 2006
By: Scott Moore
Equipment: JUGS Toss Machine, Balls, and Gloves
This is a simple drill, and it provides the middle-infielders with the repetition they need to succeed at being better ball players.
Take the second baseman and shortstop and separate them. Then set up two bases in left field and two bases in right field at the applicable distances. (80 feet for AAU/USSA and 90 feet for Babe Ruth.)
The second baseman works in right field with a coach or parent at first base. The JUGS Toss Machine is set up in the shortstop position and is loaded up. The second baseman takes a rack of 12 balls and practices coming across the bag and turning the double play. The second baseman then completes another rack of balls using the step back method of turning the double play.
The same is done in left field using the shortstop and setting the JUGS Toss Machine at the second baseman position. The second basement completes two racks of 12 balls each.
After the two racks are completed, all players take a break and the drill can be completed again. While these players are working on this drill, the coaches are able to work with the first and third basemen and the catchers in the infield on ground balls, throwing from first to third, and the catcher throwing to the bases.
Work the infield with all of the players in place, practicing especially the double plays. It is amazing how much the repetition pays off. The JUGS Toss Machine pays big dividends, and having two really pays even bigger dividends.
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