At 1B, be sure the player has their right foot to the side of the bag, and not directly behind it (basically, don't stand in the middle of the bag). This avoids the back foot catching the bag as they start.
I'm starting to teach (10U) keeping the body facing 2B, and just turn the head on the leadoff. They're only taking 2 steps anyway before it's to (or by) the catcher. Theoretically, this should cut down on the need to get sideways, shuffle, then restart if the ball is in the dirt.
I'm starting to teach (10U) keeping the body facing 2B, and just turn the head on the leadoff. They're only taking 2 steps anyway before it's to (or by) the catcher. Theoretically, this should cut down on the need to get sideways, shuffle, then restart if the ball is in the dirt.