Baserunning

[BF56]

Why isn't there a lead off in softball, why do they stand behind the base? What's the theory behind it? Aren't you making a 55ft run a 56ft run? I'm new to softball haha

 

[redhotcoach]

Why isn't there a lead off in softball, why do they stand behind the base? What's the theory behind it? Aren't you making a 55ft run a 56ft run? I'm new to softball haha

No lead because it is only 60 feet, and kind of hard for a pitcher to pick off a runner with a windmill pitch.
The start you are describing is done because you can't, or not supposed to, take your foot off the base before the ball leaves the pitchers hand, and with this start you can start early running, and your left, front foot, if on first, still is touching until about the time the ball is released. So you have good momentom by the time your allowed to go.
Not every team starts that way. Some do start with their back foot on the front of the base. It is a debate which is faster.