What is the correct pivot for a shortstop turning a double play? Does he drop to his knee?

A SS should never drop to his knee unless he has to dive.

Redbird5 is correct about not going to the knees. If you are making a pivot while covering 2nd you really have to choices assuming that your approach to the bag is correct. SS will generally use an inside pivot on a throw from first playing in front of the baseline or from the pitcher. With your left foot behind the bag you first move is to step across the bag with your right foot into the infield to take the throw. At the same time drag the left toe across the LF corner of the bag. Then stride towards 1st and make your throw. If the throw comes from the 1st baseman or second baseman behind the baseline then use the outside pivot. From a proper position behind the bag to the leftfield side step across the bag with the left foot while simultaneously dragging the right toe across the CF corner of the bag. Shift your weight to the right foot and make your throw to 1st.
If you are initiating the DP a general rule to follow is ball hit directly at you or to your right use a quick side arm throw from the fielding position. To your extreme right you might have straighten and make an overhand throw. If the ball is to your left and within 15 feet stiffen your wrist and stop the arm after you release the ball use an underhand flip here. If the ball is far to the left and behind 2nd use a backhand flip. Always aim for the 2nd baseman glove side and chest.

Posted this in response to another question on MIF play. I highly recommend getting Mark Johnson's (great coach, one of the winningest coaches in college baseball & very knowledgable) video.

Absolutely the best MIF video:

Championship Baseball Series: The Double Play & Special Infield Skills by Mark Johnson

Video website


Very well done series, plenty of actual demonstrations. Great teacher.