With an educational leadership background spanning two decades, Lori Manning has coordinated athletic department activities at a number of universities. Currently pursuing an MBA, Lori Manning has a longstanding passion for sports and was named Female Athlete of the Year for her softball accomplishments while attending Oklahoma Baptist University.

One of the keys to effective game management in softball is determining when to go for the double play and when to simply throw to first. This common situation occurs, for example, when a ground ball is hit to the shortstop with a runner at first. In this case, the infielders should cover their respective bases, with the second baseman ready to catch a short throw at second base for the force out. In addition, the right fielder should come in and cover for errant throws. 

The shortstop must decide, depending on the speed of the ball off the bat and of the runner, to throw the player out or step on second base. The critical element is to secure at least one out. If the play at second looks to be very close, it makes sense to simply throw the runner out at at first. 

Once the basics are down, the second baseman can learn advanced techniques of pivoting after receiving the ball from the shortstop and firing the ball to the first baseman for a double play.