Softball Base Running Basics: Home to First
One of the most important yet most neglected areas of softball focus is base running. Some people believe that you can’t teach speed, you either have it or you don’t. That belief couldn’t be further away from the truth. As softball players get older, base running becomes a make or break element of the game. Think back to some of the big close games that you have played. These types of games usually come down to one run being scored. Base runners are precious at the higher levels where the game is dominated by pitchers. Every base runner matters.
This post is going to break down Softball Base Running Basics that will improve your home to first time.
- Focus on your first step out of the box: This step is listed first because it starts the whole concept. No matter what side of the plate you start from, the first step is key. When you practice taking your first step out of the box, notice which leg is your push leg. The push leg is going to vary on preference and not every hitter or slapper is going to be the same. What matters is how you engage that leg and do it over and over again the same way. The push leg is the key to getting out of the box quickly and with a purpose. If we don’t engage the push leg, we won’t get anywhere anytime soon. Once the batter completes their swing and follow through, bend the push leg, and well, push.
- Run in a straight line to first base: The quickest way to get from point A to point B is by traveling in a straight line. In this case, hitters are running from the batter’s box through first base, and ironically there is a nice straight white chalk line and runner’s lane they can follow. After the batter finishes their swing, they will engage their push leg, focusing on their first step, and then they will begin barreling down the first base line towards the base. Watch for lack of arm engagement by the runners. The arms should be slightly bent, moving up and down with each step in a “cheek to cheek” motion.
- Make sure your lead toe touches the front of the base: Think about it, which is faster? Touching your lead toe to the front of the base or picking it up and landing on top of the base? The difference between being out and being called safe is sometimes determined by a single step. Using the lead toes and barely stepping on the front of the base also causes less injury than actually stepping on top of the base. Bases in softball are soft and have some give to them when they are stepped on. This isn’t healthy for the knee of the player when they are running full speed and step on something soft that gives. When in doubt, take the safer and faster route by working on touching the front of the base.
- Break down after you’ve run through the base: After you run through first base, the next step is the breakdown. This happens about three steps after the player has run through the base. What should a break down look like? The player who ran through the base will widen their stance, getting low and athletic with knees bent, and while this is happening they will take four to five “choppy” steps to slow down their momentum while maintaining an athletic position. We want to stay in this athletic position just in case there is an overthrow, so we can get to the next base faster. While the player is breaking down, it is recommended they “sneak a peek” to the right to see if there is an overthrow and if there isn’t, they should look left and turn left, towards the field, to find where the ball is and to identify if the play is over.
- Walk back to the base SLOWLY: Once the player completes the breakdown step, they should turn to the left, towards the field, and find the ball. Then they should walk back to the base really slow. The play is live until the runner gets back to the base, even if the ball is in the circle. Sometimes the defensive team will forget this rule and they will vacate second base before the runner reaches first base after running through it. When this happens, the runner can head to second base as long as they don’t stop. If they stop and try to go while the ball is already in the circle, they are out. But if they don’t stop taking their slow steps back to the base while the ball is in the circle and second base is left wide open, in the blink of an eye, that runner should be standing on second and in scoring position.
Base running is critical to the game of softball. We understand it’s not everyone’s favorite thing in the world to practice, but make sure you take the time to do so. The first step out of the box is key and gets the whole thing in motion. Practice running in a straight line, getting the footing down so the lead toe hits the front of the bag, and work on the breakdown. Remember, the play isn’t dead until the runner gets back to first base. Take your time and make those fielders wait. If they leave the base open, take it and make it count because after you take it once, it probably won’t happen for the rest of the game.
Feature Image by: Dina Kwit
