Switch to a sprinter start. No more guess work.
When to start your lead off.
- Thread starter knightsb
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- Jun 18, 2010
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I have been looking at these a lot, and I think the cue (thanks EF), for us is going to be as the pitcher strides, our base-runners should be striding out too. The heel cue is confusing because the foot work from pitcher to pitcher can be very different, but the stride is a big, common movement. JMO...
Your gif is how I've taught it for a while. Back foot starts the step when the ball is at 12:00, drive foot will come off right at the release. But this is ONLY when we're straight steeling or faking a straight steel late in the game. On basic lead and watch plays, they will take a much slower approach. The real aggressive lead will get you picked off by good catchers. So be sure to have a few methods to keep them guessing.
At 10 or 12's, I've not seen too many pitchers that "double lift" their back foot and I think the heel lift is fine. After that they just know when to go. I was working with a group of 10u girls last night and I taught them the heel lift cue and I did notice both lines coming off the base at the same time. I think that's important because if you have runners on 1st and 2nd and one comes off earlier it's more noticeable to the umpires.
I agree. I always have my girls start their hands at the 12 o'clock position and when the pitchers start their downward rotation from there, they follow (simultaneously). By the time my BR's arm reaches the bottom (6 o'clock position), they should be leaving the base.
- Jun 24, 2013
- 1,059
- 36
#2 is decelerating before she completes her first stride, #42 is decelerating on her 2nd step and body more towards home. Ummm
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Yes, its always a good practice to read the pitch result unless its a straight steal.
Learned a good practice drill from Kelly Inouye-Perez (UCLA) at the Be the best clinic. Have a person with a whistle watch the pitcher and a person with a different whistle / air horn etc watch the runner. The 2 audibles are easier to tell the timing of who went first.
Last season, our girls never seemed to get a good jump on the pitcher. Our lead offs always seemed late. I created this image for them to see how early they needed to start their lead off.
I just showed my 9yo DD this clip, and described when and why to start like this. The lightbulb went on in her head immediately.
Then, she said, "You should start with your right foot on the base, so your body is turned more toward the pitcher. That way you can see the pitcher easier." I love that she is thinking in those kinds of details.
- Jun 18, 2010
- 2,623
- 38
