Second base
You live in the middle of everything: double plays, steals, and every relay from right field.
The rule: Your force at second is the easiest out on the infield — and the start of two.
Middle infield
The middle of the diamond runs through you.
You stand between first and second, on the pull side of every left-handed hitter. Ground balls, steal coverage, relays from right field — the second baseman is in the middle of all of it.
The pivot
Double plays turn on your feet.
On a 6-4-3, you take the shortstop's feed, touch the bag, and fire to first in one motion — with a runner bearing down on you. Learn the pivot and you will turn two outs from one grounder all season.
Short throw
Second base is RIGHT there.
Your throw to second is the shortest force throw on the field. Runner on first? That force is almost always your best friend — take it, and take the double play when it is there.
Infield in
Close game, runner on third: move up.
When the coach pulls the infield in, your job changes. Now a grounder to you is a play at the plate — field it moving forward and throw home. The run is the whole ballgame; get it.
Infield back this time.
Runner on third, one out, infield at normal depth. Grounder to you. What does the infield-back call mean for your throw?