Base Running Basics: Rounding Bases
Baserunning is one of the most important elements in the game of Softball. It also happens to be one of the areas that are neglected the most practice wise. You don’t have to be the fastest person on your team to be considered a good base runner. The players who take the time to understand base running and who apply what they learn to practice and games are considered to be smart base runners. Smart base runners will succeed more than a base runner with speed. Base Running Basics: Rounding Bases
When it comes to rounding bases in softball, there are many different methods being taught, especially to the younger groups. The question mark, the “S”, the banana, and the curve are all creative ways coaches are stressing the importance of rounding bases to their players. These methods aren’t always the most effective way of teaching. The question mark, “S”, and banana from home to rounding first isn’t going to be the fastest or most effective way. Below, we talk through and explore the basics of rounding bases in softball by keeping in mind, the most effective and efficient way to get from base to base.
Rounding First Base on a single: It all begins with a base hit to the outfield. The batter should get out of the box using a hard first and quick step. They should then take three to four steps in a straight line towards first base. When thinking about the question mark, “S”, and banana rounding method, players aren’t getting to first base as fast as they would if they start out running in a straight line. There does need to be some sort of an arc or a curve as the player approaches first base, but it doesn’t happen until they are about ¾ down the baseline. Once the curve happens, the player will have the right angle when hitting the base. Always go for the left inside corner of the base, it doesn’t matter which foot hits this part of the base, it will depend on the stride. Hit that left inside corner, take three to four hard steps towards second base, then open up towards the field in a balanced athletic position. Hold this position until you identify where the ball is, don’t start heading back to the base just in case there is an overthrow.
Doubles and Triples: When balls are hit to the gaps, this is when the angles of rounding bases become crucial. Same rules apply as above when approaching first base. Give a good hard quick step out of the box, start out running in a straight line with a slight curve about ¾ of the way down the line. Push off the inside left corner of first base and this time continue in a straight line towards second base. For doubles, run in a straight line from first to second base and be ready to slide, depending if it’s a stand-up double or a close play at the base. Watch where the ball is and listen to your coaches as they direct you around the bases. If you hit a triple, after rounding first base, take three to four hard steps towards second and then take a small curve ¾ of the way to second base. You will again push off the inside corner of second base and continue in a straight line to third base. Be ready to slide into this base. They key to making it around the bases is getting from base to base as quickly as you can. Straight lines with smaller rounding curves are always going to be faster than making “long and loopy” ones.
Team rounding drill: Here is a fun and competitive base running rounding drill that can be implemented into team practices that get everyone on the team involved. When it comes to teaching base running, it’s important to make it fun because not everyone enjoys running or conditioning. Split the team into two even teams. Have one team line up at home plate and have the other team line up at second base. Two players will be running at once, one starting at home and the other starting at second. On go, the two players will take off around the bases. They must go all the way around, this is where the rounding practice comes in. Once they reach the base they started at, they will tag the next person in line who is waiting to begin. The team that goes all the way around the bases and finishes first are the winners. This drill goes fast and is a fun and competitive way for players to work on base running rounding. You’ll find the team who wins will take better angles and shorten the distance from base to base. Remember when it comes to base running, sometimes speed doesn’t always win.
