Double Play Turn (Slow-Pitch)
Also known as: turning two, DP turn
The double play turn is the pivot at second base. In one motion, a middle infielder catches, touches the bag, and throws to first while avoiding the slide.
Slow-pitch bat speeds and contact quality can still produce hard, well-timed ground balls. So a clean double-play turn remains a genuine defensive weapon, even at the recreational level. The pivot fielder has several footwork options, depending on the throw's direction and the runner's slide. They can drag the foot across the bag on an inside throw or step across on an outside throw. A jump pivot is the option when the throw pulls the fielder off the base entirely. In every version, the priority order is: secure the catch, touch the base, get out of the runner's path, then release an accurate throw.
Slow-pitch leagues vary widely in slide-rule enforcement. Some enforce strict "runner must slide to break up the play legally" rules, while others are looser recreational environments. So infielders should know their specific league's contact rules before attempting an aggressive turn near a hard-sliding runner.
Drill all three pivot footwork variations (drag, cross-over, jump) separately so the correct one becomes an instant, unconscious read based on where the throw actually arrives rather than a single default move used for every throw.
Example
On a ground ball to short with a runner on first, the second baseman receives the throw, drags her foot across the inside corner of the bag, hops to clear the sliding runner, and fires to first to complete the double play.
Why it matters
A clean double-play turn erases a baserunner and an out in a single sequence, one of the highest-value team-defense plays available. Motion Lab reads the fielder's footwork and throw from pose, but it does not see the runner, so check the throwing lane on video.
How it shows up on video
Check the order of events at the bag: catch, foot contact with the base, and clearance from the runner's slide lane should all happen before the throwing arm begins its release. A turn that rushes the throw before clearing the runner risks both a wild throw and a collision.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the throw before fully clearing the runner's slide path, risking both an inaccurate throw and unnecessary contact
- Using the same pivot footwork regardless of the throw's direction, rather than adjusting technique to how the ball actually arrives
- Failing to secure the catch before touching the bag, resulting in a dropped ball that voids the force out entirely
- Not knowing the league's specific slide and contact rules, leading to a hesitant or overly cautious turn against an aggressive slide
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab splits a transfer into phases, from the catch to the release, and reads your footwork from pose. It does not see the base or the runner, so check your bag touch and clearance on video.
Related terms
- Force PlayA force play is an out recorded by a fielder simply touching the base ahead of a runner who is required to advance. No tag is needed, because the batter-runner or a trailing runner has no choice but to run to that base.
- Middle Infield CommunicationMiddle infield communication is how the shortstop and second baseman coordinate, by voice and signal, on cutoffs, bag coverage, and pop-up priority. It helps avoid collisions and missed assignments.
- Glove-Side BackhandA glove-side backhand fields a grounder on the glove-hand side with a reach across the body. The glove turns outward; the feet do not shuffle to square up.
- Relay ThrowIn a relay throw, an infielder runs out, takes an outfield throw, and fires it on. It is used when one arm cannot cover the distance with speed and accuracy.
Available in other languages
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.
See a sample Slow-Pitch Softball report first