We are going to address the double play involving the middle infielders.

The problem: Routine double plays get botched a lot due to a lack of communication and players using the wrong mechanics.  Too often players use the overhand toss when they should be using the flip, and even when they do use the flip it looks like they are bowling.

6-4-3: The Ball is hit directly at you or to your left.  We are assuming you are using the proper footwork from earlier posts.

With the ball in your glove you step with your right foot toward the base while getting the ball out of your glove so the second baseman can see it.  Continue your momentum by stepping with your left foot and use this momentum to flip the ball by tossing the ball as you are moving toward 2nd base.  Remember to continue your momentum even after the ball is gone in order to make sure you are not flipping the ball with your arm.  Practice running all the way to the bag after you flip the ball just to get in the habit of using your momentum, not your arm and wrist to flip the ball

Keys to the flip:

Always get your glove out of the way so the second baseman can see the ball.

Your hand should never swing back behind you like a bowling motion, it should stay in your mid section and move forward from there.

You flip the ball with your legs, your hand and arm are just there to hold the ball.

Your throwing hand should never go higher then your chest when you deliver the flip and you never flip your wrist at the end.  Flipping your wrist up can cause the ball to go up and over the second baseman’s head.  Think about throwing the palm of your hand at the second baseman’s chest.