The mechanics of the 2B's pivot

On ground balls that the 2B is expected to be at the 2B bag, he must have a good understanding of many variables. How fast are the runners? Where was the ball hit? Were the runners in motion? These variables allow the 2B to make an educated decision about what kind of pivot he should use around the bag.

The first thing he must be aware of is actually getting to the bag. If you have bag responsibility- you need to be at the bag. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to get to an area of about 2.5 ft. radius around the bag as quickly as possible. From there you can break down and read the throw.

We're talking amateur baseball here so there is a mandatory slide rule. That is important. That means no one should be sliding in trying to take us out at 2B. If that is true, I don't need to be thinking "avoid the runner."

Get to the bag and have the hands out in front ready to be quick. As the ball approaches you want to try and keep your head to the right of the approaching ball. This allows you to stay loaded as you receive the ball. Regardless if you drag the left foot or step on the bag with your left foot you'll catch the ball while your right foot is landing. This is so you can transition to a throw much quicker.

If the ball is a tailor made double play you would suggest to all 2B to work across the bag so you can get the ball quicker and redirect it quicker. Working behind the bag just takes a little longer. Some 2B like to straddle the bag and then just drag the left foot while they are throwing. This too is ok.

Again, the pivot's technique is primarily taught to avoid injury at upper levels. As long as the slide rule is in effect, the 2B needs to get to the bag and redirect the ball quickly. The salient points there are quick hands and short quick feet. You don't want big long strides as it will force the hands to be slow also.