What does the shortstop do on a double to the right side?

The job, step by step

The job is the same idea on each play. The first one is shown in full; after it, only the steps that change.

Runner on first, double to the right-center gap · Runner on first, double down the right-field line · Runners on first and second, double to the right-center gap · Runners on first and second, double down the right-field line

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Follow the second baseman out and set up 25–30 feet behind him, in line with the throw.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Anything that gets past him is yours. The catcher makes the call; yours is the backdoor — if the batter-runner rounds 2B too far, yell “Cut 2!”

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Once the ball is in, cover the nearest open base and watch the batter-runner at 2B. Nobody takes an extra base on an overthrow.

Nobody on, double to the right-center gap · Nobody on, double down the right-field line: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Anything that gets past him is yours. The third baseman makes the call; yours is the backdoor — if the batter-runner rounds 2B too far, yell “Cut 2!”

Who you work with

• 2BSecond baseman is the relay man in front of you
• RFRight fielder makes the throw (or the center fielder, from the gap)
• 1BFirst baseman trails the batter-runner to second

Common mistakes

• Standing right on the relay man’s heels.

  The trailer is insurance for an overthrow or a short hop. Too close and both of you miss the same ball.

• Watching the ball instead of the batter-runner.

  Your call is the backdoor. The relay man has his back to second; you are the one who can see the runner drift too far.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Trailer, calls the backdoorRunner on first, double to the right-center gap
• Trailer, calls the backdoorRunner on first, double down the right-field line
• Trailer, calls the backdoorNobody on, double to the right-center gap
• Trailer, calls the backdoorNobody on, double down the right-field line
• Trailer, calls the backdoorRunners on first and second, double to the right-center gap
• Trailer, calls the backdoorRunners on first and second, double down the right-field line

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Doubles: who relays and who trails?

   1. A.The middle infielder relays; the first baseman trails
   2. B.The third baseman relays; the shortstop trails
   3. C.The middle infielder on the ball’s side relays; the other trails
   4. D.The shortstop always relays; the second baseman always trails
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. The shortstop always relays; the second baseman always trails. The middle infielder on the ball’s side relays and the other trails — down the right-field line too. Never the first baseman.

More shortstop jobs

• Cutoff man to secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left or center with nobody on?
• Covers second and makes the callWhat does the shortstop do on a single to right field with nobody on?
• Cutoff man to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single with a runner on first?
• Relay manWhat does the shortstop do on a double to the left side?
• Covers thirdWhat does the shortstop do on a single to left with a runner on second?
• Covers secondWhat does the shortstop do on a single to center or right with a runner on second?
• Takes the force at secondWhat does the shortstop do on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Rotates to thirdWhat does the shortstop do on the wheel play?

The shortstop on every play · All positions