Baserunning
Running the bases
Sliding Fundementals
Base Stealing
Running the bases
Base running is one of the most natural skills for the young player. Most of the players at this age enjoy running and are in reasonably good condition, but many of them have improper running technique. The coach's job will be to correct errors in running form, teach correct base running skills and develop positive attitudes about hustle and aggressiveness.
Running Form
- arms pump forward and backward
The most effective and popular slide in baseball. It provides the quickest approach to the base and also enables the runner to pop-up and advance. The following are coaching points in learning the bent leg slide:
- Start to slide at least 9 to 10 feet from the bag. Do not slide late.
- Take off from either leg (whichever is most natural) and bend it under.
- Slide on the outside of the bent leg, contacting the ground with the calf, thigh and rear.
- Keep low to the ground. Do not leap or jump.
- Throw the head back as both legs bend, thus preventing the knees from hitting the ground first.
- Face the instep of the bottom foot in the direction of the slide, preventing the spikes from catching the ground.
- Always touch the base with the top leg.
- Keep the leg relaxed, the knee slightly bent, and the heel off the ground.
Bent Leg - Pop-up and Advance: Towards the end of the bent leg slide the player pushes the bent leg up before the slide is completed. The momentum generated from the slide along with the push up from the ground by the bent leg and the push up from the extended foot on the bag, spins the runner towards the next base.
Teaching Sliding: An excellent place to teach sliding is on wet grass. Have the players take off their shoes and slide to a loose base. If the grass is long, it need not be wet, but wet grass is easier to slide on than dry. Using a sweeping compound on the gymnasium floor is fairly good also, although players will slide too far with this method. In the beginning, have the players assume the finished position 2 or 3 times before actually sliding so they are reasonably certain of what they are trying to do.
Sliding Fundementals
The three purposes in sliding are to evade a tag, to stop at a base, and to break-up a double play. Timing is essential for a good slide. It must not start too soon or too late, and the slider should keep relaxed when hitting the ground. As the player goes into the slide, hands should be clenched loosely to avoid broken fingers. The head must be kept back and the arms up.
Bent Leg Slide: The bent leg slide is the most effective and popular slide in baseball. It provides the quickest approach to the base and also enables the runner to pop-up and advance. The following are coaching points in learning the bent leg slide:
- Start to slide at least 9 to 10 feet from the bag. Do not slide late.
- Take off from either leg (whichever is most natural) and bend it under.
- Slide on the outside of the bent leg, contacting the ground with the calf, thigh and rear.
- Keep low to the ground. Do not leap or jump.
- Throw the head back as both legs bend, thus preventing the knees from hitting the ground first.
- Face the instep of the bottom foot in the direction of the slide, preventing the spikes from catching the ground.
- Always touch the base with the top leg.
- Keep the leg relaxed, the knee slightly bent, and the heel off the ground.
Bent Leg - Pop-up and Advance: Towards the end of the bent leg slide the player pushes the bent leg up before the slide is completed. The momentum generated from the slide along with the push up from the ground by the bent leg and the push up from the extended foot on the bag, spins the runner towards the next base.
Teaching Sliding: An excellent place to teach sliding is on wet grass. Have the players take off their shoes and slide to a loose base. If the grass is long, it need not be wet, but wet grass is easier to slide on than dry. Using a sweeping compound on the gymnasium floor is fairly good also, although players will slide too far with this method. In the beginning, have the players assume the finished position 2 or 3 times before actually sliding so they are reasonably certain of what they are trying to do.
Base Stealing
In contemplating a steal, each coach must consider the following questions:
- What is the ability of the runner?
- How good is the pitcher's move to first base?
- Can the hitter move the runner to the next base?
- Is the steal worth the risk?
- Does the situation warrant the attempted steal?
Stealing Second - Getting the jump on the pitcher: A good base runner gets the jump on the pitcher by studying their moves. If the pitcher commits themselves with a move towards the batter, they have to throw home or a balk is called by the umpire. As soon as the runner sees the pitcher start their move to the plate, they can be off and running.
Cross-Over: When the runner decides to go, they pivot on the right foot and cross-over with the left leg. In breaking for second base, runners should swing their left arm towards the next base as they begin their cross-over. The arm action pulls their body around and enables them to take a good first stride with their left foot. The runner's weight should be forward with their legs driving hard.
Glance: When the runner breaks towards second base on the steal, they must glance towards the plate after taking a few steps. This will help them decide whether to return to first (i.e. line drive or fly ball), slide into second, or round it and try for third (i.e. pass ball).
Stealing Third: Stealing third base is probably easier than stealing second and a right-handed batter will make the throw more difficult for the catcher. A runner can score in more ways from third than second, but if they are thrown out attempting to steal, a potential run is removed. For this reason most coaches are content to leave the runner on second.
