Strategies For Running From Home To First Base

Strategies For Running From Home To First Base 

Originally Published in High-Scoring Softball - Ralph and Karen Weekly - Human Kinetics

Assume that the player hits the ball to the infield and there is likely going to be a play at first base. When running out of the box, the player should run in a straight line and maintain that line as she crosses first base (see figure 3.2). Young players are often taught to veer toward foul territory as they cross the base. There is no advantage to this; in fact, there are disadvantages. First, the player who veers into foul territory has created a longer distance to second base if an overthrow occurs at first base. Second, a player in the habit of doing this may start to veer to the right before she touches first base; thus, she takes extra time to hit the base. Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Base runners want to be sure they are traveling the shortest distance when possible. To give players an easy cue, a coach can instruct them to run on the foul line and stay on the foul line when they cross first base.

The player must run hard through first base. Immediately after crossing the base, the player should come to a stop as soon as possible. This will enable the player to change direction and be ready to advance to second on an overthrow. Again, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; stopping early after crossing first base will cut down the distance to second base.

Figure 3.3   Position for breaking down.

To stop quickly, the player uses a technique known as breaking down. The player widens her base, or feet, and lowers her rear end (see figure 3.3). This will help her maintain balance as she comes to a sudden stop. As the player does this, she should turn her head toward foul territory to look for the possible overthrow. When she can see the overthrow herself rather than rely on the first-base coach for information, the player will be able to respond quicker and make a good decision on whether to advance to second base.

Let's assume that the player is safe at first and the ball was caught cleanly by the first-base player. After the runner breaks down and stops, she should return to first base on the foul line. She should turn her head toward the field of play when returning to the base. As long as she is returning directly to first base, she is not a "live" player for the defense to attempt to tag. If she makes an attempt toward second, however, she becomes a live player, and the defense can tag her out when she is off the base.