A few general rules of thumb to go by when turning a double play in the middle with a “FLIP” …

1) The flip should only be used when a ball is hit either straight at you or to the second base side (SS - Left : 2B - Right) 

2) Funneling a flip can often costs you time, but may be needed to compensate a bad / in between hop. Try to use it sparingly, but do not jeopardize making a play to just to avoid it.

3) One of the biggest mistakes young middle infielders make is NOT to get their glove out of the way when making a flip. If a fielder tries to flip a ball with both hands, the player attempting to receive the flip has a very difficult time seeing it. Especially if it’s coming in hot or in close proximity. Take your glove to your hip and let your fellow MIF see the ball.

4) Flip “Up Hill.” There is nothing worse for a middle infielder than receiving a flip at the knees or ankles. Remember, you’ve got to get one before you can get two, so make the first one count. Hit your teammate in the chest!

5) Following your flip adds accuracy and firmness. I’ve seen many young players flick and stop when turning a double play. I call it a “floating flip” that often gets the teammate tackled or ends up in the outfield. Trust me, I’ve been on the receiving end of a tackle and it’s not any fun.

Flips can be fun and extremely affective. Heck, you may even get the chance to make a glove flip once every blue moon and man are those fun to turn. Do them right on both sides of the bag and DP results will follow.