The shortstop, a combination of infielder and outfielder, is normally the best all-around infielder on the club. To do his job well, he needs good hands, a powerful arm and sprinter’s legs. Like the second baseman, he has to be agile and quick. And he has to know how to make the double play!

The shortstop doesn’t have as much trouble making the DP as the second baseman because he’s traveling in the general direction he has to throw and he has the fielder, the runner and 1st base in front of him. Still, he ought to have a combination of steps that permit him to tag the base and effectively fire the ball to 1st.

The simplest way for the shortstop to start the DP is for him to put his right foot on the sack, hop to the right field side of the base, pivoting the body right at the same time. He should land on his right foot for the throw. Follow these instructions and you’ll get the idea:

Stand on the right [foot only. Hop on it. Hop forward on it. Now, hop forward on it and turn the body a quarter to the right.

This time, step forward left, step forward right, hop, make the pivot right, land light and throw.

A shortstop crossing the base at fair running speed can put himself completely out of the baseline with this move and make a strong, fast throw.

A variation, called the “drag” step (used by most professionals) will also take the shortstop out of the baseline nicely. A boy can surely learn it by the time he’s 13 or 14. Here’s the way it works:

Stand facing 1st with the centerfield corner of 2nd between the feet. Raise the right foot slightly and with a dragging motion, touch the side of the base. Keep the right foot moving and place it behind the left. Step left with the left foot and throw. Baseball Training - Read More.