Base running starts

I have seen a few different techniques used for base running starts. I know my preference. But as I think about these techniques, I wonder why we do not use a sprinters start. If this is the most efficient for sprinters and is possible for softball. Why don't we see it more. I have implemented a modified sprinters start for my players. I think it makes a difference.


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I think this is largely just a style question and what is most comfortable for the runner. If you can get the slight cheaters start by timing the pitcher and making it look like you are in syncing with the delivery but are actually slightly ahead of it that is the perfect world, an eagle eyed umpire might catching you but more than one coach has said if you are not getting caught every now and then you are not trying. Not advocating leaving early but I would tell my players you need to be as close as possible to leaving at exactly the same time as the pitcher lets go of the ball and if you err I would err one the side of being a millisecond early not late. Now this is for runner that are actually trying to be aggressive and get extra bases or steal if you are an average runner whose job is to go one base at a time and not make silly base running mistakes why would you risk getting called out if its not going to make a difference.

Now from a scientific standpoint I think some one actually had a study that said the quickest way was actually closer to a baseball style with one leg out in front it seems counter intuitive but supposedly it was actually faster.

Maybe a baseball start is faster from a dead stop, but not if you are getting a head start like you are talking about. And I definitely advocate being as close to leaving early as is allowed. I have my girls start like most do but we put the hands down like a sprinter then lift them just before the pitchers starts. It keeps them lower. We have the right foot behind the bag. We do not start withe the body torque.


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Todd Middleton said:

I have seen a few different techniques used for base running starts. I know my preference. But as I think about these techniques, I wonder why we do not use a sprinters start. If this is the most efficient for sprinters and is possible for softball. Why don't we see it more. I have implemented a modified sprinters start for my players. I think it makes a difference.


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A sprinters start is designed for an explosive start from a static position. A start from the bag should by dynamic, not static. So the sprinters start is really not necessary. Some type or rolling start is much more efficient and requires less effort.

DD uses a spinner start but she needs to stop to see what batter does.

Runner can be as quick or fast as they want but they need to slow down or stop waiting for batter.

If I guess if you are stealing you want to be consistent and not give defense a clue to what you are doing.

It's hopefully obvious from me asking this question that we haven't reached this level of play yet (catchers are still optional!) - you can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand? (I had assumed it was when it crossed the plate). Is that a standard rule or one that gets implemented differently by each organization?

What I've started teaching was also more of a sprinters start - to me, while starting with the left foot touching the bag and facing home puts you a few feet closer to the base, "straddling" the bag facing towards the next base (your front foot becomes the push-off foot) allows for a "running start" on every pitch, it gets your body moving in the right direction. Even if you're not stealing, you're already moving on contact, which is one less decision the runner has to make on every pitch. As I mentioned - we're still nowhere near needing to do this, but my reasoning is that the runner isn't so far off the base (two steps maybe in a non-steal situation?) that you wouldn't be able to beat a throw (and the fielder) back to the bag.

Thanks,

Gags

Ball leaves P hand you better be getting off base, one of my pet peeves.

DD is not particularly aggressive but more throws are made on her then anyone else.

Get off the base.

Don't forget that leading off of third is unique unless you are hit/run or angle down.

Stay in foul territory, since you brought it up.