BASEBALL DRILL – Running to First – Younger Players

SKILL LEVEL: All Levels

DRILL TYPE:  Baserunning

PURPOSE: This drill is designed to increase the speed of the player getting out of the batter’s box and running to first base when balls are hit to the infield.  It’s used to help younger players understand the need to run all the way through the base each and every time.  Used mainly in Tee-ball when players don’t usually take extra bases.

EQUIPMENT:  None

PLAYERS:  Any number of players

TIME: 10 minutes

SETUP PROCEDURE:

1. Set your players behind a cone just to the left of home plate.
2. Set up a coach about 10 feet past first based down the foul line with their hand out to allow the player to slap their hand once they run through 1^st base.
3. One player at a time takes their batting stance in the batters box.
4. Have them hold their back hand up to simulate holding the bat while placing their front hand perpendicular to their body and out in front of their stomach over the plate.
5. On go command have them swing their back arm down and slap their front hand to represent a batted ball.  Coach will act as timer and will start the time when the hands slap together.
6. Player runs through first base and slaps the hand of their coach. Then turns over their right shoulder toward the fence.

KEY COACHING POINTS:

• Players need to pop out of the batter’s box on the crack of the bat.  This quick start could make the difference in being out or safe.
• Make sure the players run full speed straight down the line toward first base and not veering out to the right of the line.  Quickest route between two points is a straight line.
• Players should focus on touching the front part of 1^st base as it’s the first point where they will be safe.  Very important to make sure they done land in the middle of the base.
• Ensure they done slow down until they are past the base and perform a chop step.  I know you have seen coaches teaching their players to peel off toward the fence when running to first but resist doing this as it takes them away from 2^nd base should their be an over throw.  Have them chop step out toward the outfield right on top of the foul line.
• Make sure when the chop step is completed they turn to the right or outside and come back to the base.
• Get your players used to listening for the baseball hitting the fence on over throws or the coach yelling to go to 2^nd.