Baserunning is a fundamental part of baseball, yet it is often overlooked in terms of technique. A few key things can help any player improve their baserunning and become a more effective runner.
First, it is important to have a good understanding of the game situation. When runners are on base, they need to be aware of the number of outs, the score, and the situation of the inning. This information will help runners make better decisions on the base paths.
Second, runners need to have a good jump off the bag. This means getting a good start so they can get up to speed quickly. A good jump will also help runners avoid being tagged out.
Third, runners need to be smooth and efficient in their movements. This means taking short, quick steps and staying low to the ground. Runners who are smooth and efficient on the base paths are less likely to make mistakes and get caught.
Finally, runners need to practice and develop their technique. The best way to do this is by doing extra work on the basepaths during practice. By working on their technique, runners can become more effective and make fewer mistakes when it counts.
How Can I Improve My Baserunning Technique?
Baserunning is a critical part of baseball, and many players do not realize how important it is to have good technique. Here are a few tips to help you improve your baserunning technique:
- Start in a good athletic position. This means that your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your weight should be balanced, and your knees should be slightly bent.
- Keep your head and eyes on the pitcher when running to first base. This will help you see the ball better and react more quickly to any changes in the pitch.
- Keep your inside shoulder close to the foul line as you round first base. This will help you stay on the base path and avoid getting tagged.
- When running from first to second base, always stay in a straight line. This means running in a straight line from first to second and not veering off to the side.
- As you round second base, keep your eyes on the ball and the third base coach. The third base coach can tell you if the ball is being thrown to third base or home plate.
- When running from second to third base, always stay in a straight line. This means running in a straight line from second to third and not veering off to the side.
- As you round third base, keep your eyes on the ball and the home plate coach. The home plate coach will be able to tell you if the ball is being thrown to home plate or back to the pitcher.
- When running from third to home plate, always stay in a straight line. This means running straight from third to home and not veering off to the side.
- When you are sliding into home plate, always slide feet-first. This will help you avoid getting injured, and it will also help you stay on the base path.
- After you slide into home plate, always get up immediately and start running to the dugout. This will help you avoid getting tagged out and help your team get back on defense quickly.
Following these tips can improve your baserunning technique and become a more effective player on the base paths.
What Are Some Common Mistakes In Baserunning Technique?
One of the base runners’ most common mistakes is not properly around the bases. Runners should always touch the inside corner before heading for the next base when they round a base. This helps ensure the runner can return to the first base if necessary.
Another common mistake is failing to touch all of the bases. This seems an obvious mistake, but it can be easy to miss a base running at full speed. If a runner misses a base, they will be called out. Finally, base runners must always be aware of their surroundings. This means not only paying attention to the fielders but also to the base path. If a base runner strays too far from the base path, they may be called out.
Let’s take a look at an example. Suppose a runner is on first base, and there is a hit to the outfield. The runner rounds first base and heads for second. However, the outfielder throws to the second baseman, who then throws to the catcher. The runner is called out because he failed to touch second base.
In this example, the runner made two common mistakes. First, he failed to touch the inside corner of the base. Second, he did not pay attention to the fielders and did not realize that the ball was being thrown to the second baseman. As a result, he was an easy out.
These are just a few of the most common mistakes base runners make. By being aware of these mistakes, runners can avoid them and increase their chances of safely reaching base.
What Are Some Drills I Can Do To Improve My Baserunning Technique?
Baserunning is a key component of any successful baseball or softball game. It is important to be quick, efficient, and have good technique when running the bases. Here are some drills you can do to help improve your baserunning technique.
- Start by sprinting for 10-15 yards. Focus on staying low and keeping your arms close to your body. As you get closer to the end of the sprint, start to pick up your knees and drive through with your arms.
- Set up a few cones or markers in a straight line. Start at one end and weave your way in and out of the cones, staying low the entire time. As you get better at this drill, you can increase the number of cones or the distance between them.
- Another great drill is to set up two cones or markers about 10-15 yards apart. Start at one cone, sprint to the other, and return to the first. Touch each cone with your hand as you go by. This drill will help improve your change of direction and explosiveness.
- Finally, a great drill to do with a partner is the mirror drill. Stand facing your partner about 10-15 yards apart. Both of you should start in a low stance. As one person starts running, the other should mirror their movements. This drill will help improve your explosiveness and coordination.
These are just a few of the many drills you can do to help improve your baserunning technique. The key is to be consistent with your drills and focus on technique. With hard work and dedication, you will significantly improve your baserunning.
What Are Some Tips For Developing a Better Baserunning Technique?
Whether you’re a power hitter or a contact hitter, these tips will help you become a better baserunner and help your team score more runs.
- Start in an Athletic Stance
You want to be in a comfortable and balanced stance so you can take off running as soon as the ball is hit. You also want to be low to the ground to change directions quickly if needed.
- Read the Ball of the Bat
As soon as the ball is hit, it would be best to read it immediately. This will help you know how hard to run and what direction the ball is going.
- Get a Good Lead
You want to be sure to get a good lead off of first base so you can take an extra base if needed. You also don’t want to get too big of a lead, or the first baseman will be able to pick you off.
- Round the Bases
You want to take a wide turn around the bases to get a good jump if the ball is hit to the outfield. You also want to stay low to the ground as you round the bases to be more agile.
- Run Through the First Base
You want to ensure you run through the first base to get a good jump on the second base. This will also help you avoid getting tagged if the ball is hit to the infield.
- Slide Into the Second Base
If you think you’ll be safe at second base, you want to slide in to avoid getting tagged out. This will also help you avoid a collision with the second baseman.
- Know the Situations
You want to be aware of the game situation to make smart decisions. For example, if you’re down by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning, you’ll want to be more aggressive on the bases.
- Be a Team Player
You need to know your teammates on the bases and what they’re doing. This will help you avoid any collisions and also help you know when to be aggressive.
- Have Fun
You want to enjoy yourself while you’re playing the game. This will help you relax and play your best.
Developing a better baserunning technique will help you score more runs and help your team win more games. These tips will help you become a better baserunner and help your team succeed.
Conclusion
After researching the topic, it seems the best way to develop a better baserunning technique is to practice and get plenty of reps. A few drills can also help, such as the wall drill, the carioca drill, and the figure-8 drill. Proper technique is important, so pay attention to detail and form when doing these drills. With enough practice, you should see a significant improvement in your baserunning ability.
Please comment below if you have any questions about developing a better baserunning technique.