A double play starts with the shortstop making the first out at second base. The feed has to be catchable and on time so the second baseman can make the relay throw to first.

Equipment needed: 12 baseballs, two bases, one infield.

Setup: Set up at 60 feet per side. Shortstop is at short, second baseman at second, first baseman at first. You’re rolling ground balls.

How to run it:

  1. Roll a grounder to the shortstop.
  2. They field it and run to second base (or near it), calling the second baseman into position.
  3. The shortstop feeds the ball to the second baseman (from the side, not front-on).
  4. The second baseman catches, steps on second, and throws to first.
  5. Do 12 reps. Rotate kids through all three positions.

What to look for: Feed accuracy and timing. A bad feed that’s too high, too low, or behind the second baseman kills the double play. Also watch the second baseman’s footwork around the bag. They should hit the bag on the inside of the baseline so they can throw to first without getting hit by the runner.

Variation: For younger kids, have the shortstop toss the ball by hand instead of throwing so they focus on the feed accuracy. For older kids, add a runner sliding into second to make it game-speed.