The 6-4-3 Double Play
The 6-4-3 double play is one of the most common kinds of double play. What makes it common is the fact that most players when batting have the tendency to hit the ball towards the right side of the infield. It’s a given that most batters are righthanded, and when they hit the ball, it flies towards the direction of the shortstop.The 6-4-3 double play kicks into action when the ball reaches the shortstop (6). He will catch the ball or scoop it off the ground and then throw it to the 4 or the second baseman (4) to get the runner out. Immediately after, the 4 throws the ball to the first baseman, or the 3, to force the batter out of the game. The first player forced out is put down as a 6-4 out. The ball is then quickly thrown to the first baseman (3) whose goal is to get the batter out. The first out is put down on record as a 6-4 out because it occurred in the area manned by the shortstop (6).
Quick Shortstop Action
As mentioned, most players are right-handed and their hit balls expectedly fly towards the area of the shortstop. The burden of making an effective 6-4-3 lies with the shortstop who has to have quick reflexes and movements to scoop the ball out of the air or catch it and then throw it immediately to the second baseman. If and when the shortstop misses the ball or fails to immediately throw it, the runner will take advantage of the lapse and run safely to the next base.Deviations from the usual defensive alignment can lead to the creation of unusual double play scenarios.