Are the base running strategy in HS ball different then 14U and younger?

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May 24, 2015
17
1
So I'm learning the ins/outs of HS ball, my DD is playing for her Varsity team. To set expectations, the team is in a lower division, but has some good players, but would probably rate them as a good rec team.

So time and time again, runner on 1st and 3rd, I don't see coaches sending the runner on 1st on the first few pitches. This was a given for me while coaching our Rec/TB teams. If lucky, the runner on first gets sent when the count is 3 and something. Btw, not just my DD team, I've seen other teams do this as well. I don't get it, looking to learn if there is something I don't know (which is a lot):D

My DD is getting all annoyed, b/c some things she has grown up with doing from 10u are not being executed in game anymore.
 
Feb 13, 2015
164
18
As players get better, aggressive base running becomes less productive. Locally, I've seen coaches cause 2 of 3 outs per inning by failing to realize that arms have become stronger and more accurate. Taking 2 with a runner on 3 depends on the quickness of the runner and evaluating the catcher's arm.
 
May 24, 2015
17
1
Agree, we have a very strong catch so teams don’t run as much against us, but DD coach hardly ever sends the runner regardless of the catcher. I’m of the opinion, send the runner and make them make the play. If they do/can then dial it back.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
1st and 3rd opposing team needs to prove they can defend it, will run into 1 out to let them prove it.

Without coaches go ahead DD has taking off to 2nd, I am not sure that is wise or not.
 
May 24, 2015
17
1
So how have people handled this? I think the HC has all the right intentions, but just not trying different things to win games. It’s been the same play books for a few years. Speak to the athletic director? Not to mention practices are the same over and over. DD said our Town Rec practices were tougher and more educational.
 
Aug 10, 2016
686
63
Georgia
I know that depending on the score of the game, on the assumption that the runner on 1st is going to go, HC will have C throw to SS to force the runner on third to run and then get her stealing home. And there have been times too - if we know the runner is slow and we can afford the run, he'll have C make the throw to 2nd to get an easy out.
Watching college SB, I don't think you ever see the runner on 1st go. Maybe they are getting them prepared for college?
 
Feb 12, 2014
648
43
So how have people handled this? I think the HC has all the right intentions, but just not trying different things to win games. It’s been the same play books for a few years. Speak to the athletic director? Not to mention practices are the same over and over. DD said our Town Rec practices were tougher and more educational.

Just my opinion, but I would be very careful here. You are simply disagreeing with an in-game strategy. This isn't in any way related to some sort of mistreatment of your daughter, which would be a different situation.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
In 16u/18u travel ball, much would be dictated by situation. If we are early in a game with a close score, in most cases I would concede the run and take the out at 2nd base. I would rather have no runners with 1 out, than runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Plus, once we prove that our catcher can gun down any runner on the opposing team, it will often change the other coaches entire philosophy for the game. You will notice a lot of base running changes as the players get older. Another big change is delayed steals. At the 16u/18u level I hardly ever see a delayed steal work. The defenses are well prepared and ready for that.
 
May 24, 2015
17
1
Just my opinion, but I would be very careful here. You are simply disagreeing with an in-game strategy. This isn't in any way related to some sort of mistreatment of your daughter, which would be a different situation.

I agree it a fine line here and will try to bite my tounge on in game calls.
As i mention prior, this isnt' a top club team, it's a good rec team. The school, has coaches doing other sports through the year, so I'm not even sure if softball is the HC primary expertise. I fully believe that even coaches need coaching, I've had plenty while I was HC in town rec/travel. Some warrented and others not, but all learning experiances. If this was an academic class and parents in a class found out that kids were not being challenged, did the same excerises over and over would the converation be different?
 

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