The chest flip is performed on a ball hit directly at you. This flip is very tricky to teach young players and you will have to practice this often.
Field the ball with the proper footwork moving through it just like you normally would. Once you field the ball you are going to shuffle your feet toward second base to get the momentum you need to make a strong toss. As you shuffle, bring the ball to your chest and while your feet are moving you simply use your elbow as a hinge and throw your hand directly at the chest of the shortstop.
Keys to the play:
Your legs throw the ball, you must get a good shuffle to help propel the ball out of your hand.
Your thumb stays under the ball and your palm goes directly to the chest of the shortstop. You must stress thumb under ball or else the natural movement is to keep the hand on top of the ball and flip it with a reverse bowling motion, you must avoid this.
Your legs are very important, so get your momentum started and keep it going after the toss is completed. Due to the fact this flip is a little longer you must use your legs to avoid using too much arm and wrist.
Your legs are very very important. Your legs are very important.
