Playing Second Base
Second baseman is No. 4: turns double plays and covers first on bunts.
How it actually works. Play between first and second, closer to second, at a depth set by the hitter and the situation. The first step comes off reading the hop, then short quick shuffle steps to get in front of it. On a double play at second he gets to the bag under control, takes the throw, touches the base and gets out of the runner's way as he throws. He decides coverage on steals with the shortstop before the pitch and goes out as the cutoff on throws from right.
Why it is done, and when it is wrong. A good second baseman is all feet and hands. The throws are short, so the position rewards quick transfers and footwork more than arm, which is why it is the spot for the smart infielder who is always in the right place. He is also half of every conversation in the middle of the field. If he and the shortstop are not on the same page about who covers, a steal becomes a ball in center field.
What people get wrong about it. Standing on the bag instead of playing a zone, getting to the bag late on a steal or double play, and a slow exchange from glove to hand on the turn.
At Little League and travel ball. The biggest youth mistake is playing second like it is a base to guard. He should be off it, in the hole, covering ground. Teach him to call the bag loudly with the shortstop on every runner on first situation.
Batter's Eye: look up anything in baseball