Hi Folks,

I have a fundamentals question. With a runner on 1B and a GB is hit that the second baseman comes in to play inside the line, when he fields it, should he turn clockwise or counterclockwise to throw to 2B?

One of our second basemen kept turning counterclockwise when doing this tonight in practice. He did it 3x in a row. Each time, he did so quite athletically and the throw was right on the money. But each time, the manager politely corrected him to always turn clockwise, so that his back was not facing 2B.

Which is fundamentally more correct?

Thanks,
Sandman

I like him to turn CCW since it is more fluid and allows a more accurate throw.

Thanks for the quick reply redbird5. Does that go for when he's behind the line and moving towards 1B too?

turning gloveside is always easiest when going gloveside

I'm with redbird5 on this one... Which ever side (body) the ball is fielded on is the way you should turn, especially if your momentum is taking you that way.

It sure felt more natural to Kevin to just keep turning CCW after fielding the ball near his left foot. He did it 3x in a row and it looked graceful and effective each time. Oh well, if it comes up in a game, and he turns clockwise - as instructed - and doesn't make the play, then at least he followed directions.

Your second baseman needs to learn how to turn either way depending on where he is. If he's going to his left CCW can result in the quickest throw. If he's in place usually a CW pivot without stepping will result in the quickest throw. If he's going to his right he would either pivot CW in place if he can get behind the ball or step and underhand flip.

Agreed CADad. And from behind the line, I can see how everything except moving towards 1B would be better w/ a CW move, or just an upperbody pivot. But if he's come inside the line - either by playing in or charging - then w/ him fielding the ball near his glove foot, momentum would seem to make the CCW turn smoother.

Thanks everyone.