DOUBLE PLAYS AT HOME PLATE

Force outs at home plate can be a bit tricky. They are frequently the start of a possible double play, but the reason they don't often turn into a double play is due to the approach from the catcher. To best explain our approach to this play, we'll separate it into three different scenarios. First, the lone force out at home plate after a ball is hit to a non-pitcher infielder and there is no chance of a double play. Next, the double play on a ball hit back to the pitcher or a sharply hit ball to an infielder, from home plate to first base.

In a close game, with the bases loaded and less than two outs, getting the lead runner out at home plate is very important. However, a softly hit ball to an infielder will likely ensure that the only possible out is at home plate, and the play will often be a close one. I have observed many catchers putting themselves in very dangerous situations while setting up for this play. Instead, I want to give catchers an approach to get the out and keep themselves safe.

During a bang-bang force out at home plate, the catcher is going to want to set themselves up in a way that keeps their back foot on part of home plate while also giving the runner a lane to slide through without taking the catcher's leg out from under them. I prefer catchers to set up on the top right-hand corner of the plate, with both feet somewhat in line with each other, and not commit to stretching towards the ball until they know exactly where it's going to be. Catchers should keep their foot on that corner of the plate as long as they can but not be afraid of stepping out to avoid injury from the sliding runner.

The reason we want to start with both feet somewhat in line with each other is to avoid over-committing to a direction before the infielder has let go of the ball. If we stretch in the direction we THINK the ball is being thrown, we risk being out of position for where the ball IS thrown.

If the ball is hit hard to an infielder or the pitcher, there is a very good chance of a double play with the bases loaded. In this situation, the catcher will want to make sure they get as much of their momentum as possible heading towards first base the moment the ball arrives at home plate. Since the catcher doesn't need to worry about the runner coming from third base, they can take a more aggressive approach to this play.

They will set up behind home plate with both feet somewhat in line with each other. Once the infielder lets go of the ball, only then will they step across the plate towards the ball and use that step to build momentum as they drag their back foot over the plate while getting their body turned towards first base to make the throw.

By staying behind the plate until the ball is in the air, the catcher will be able to adjust to an errant throw and simply catch and touch home for the out. If the throw is on the mark, this technique creates a faster release from the catcher since the touch to home plate is done during the throw to first in one fluid motion.

FINAL THOUGHTS - DOUBLE PLAY AT HOME PLATE:

One of the most important aspects of being a catcher is understanding where and how to set up for a play. This play, in particular, can have pretty severe consequences if the catcher sets up incorrectly. Not only are they risking losing outs, but they are also at risk for injury. By being aware of the situation and recognizing how much time they have to clear the plate area before the runner slides into them, catchers not only protect themselves but also give themselves a chance at a double play.