Running From 1st to 2nd

Partick, is your question for running to first, or running from first to second? In either case, proper running technique is 100 times more important then which foot they tag the base with. In either case, a proper running stride is #1. I see far too many boys running with short, choppy steps, and then the other extreme, where they are striding too far and are out of balance. Running on the balls of their feet, not their heals is important. When leading off, being in balance is crucial. So is learning how to dive back into first (it'll add five feet to a person's lead if they know how to dive back head first). Proper pumping of the arms, while running tension free is also very important. Picking up the ball after a few strides, then refocusing on the base is important. Correct slidding technigue into second, third and home is important. Learning the proper crossover step when going from first is extremely important. Not standing up, but keeping a low profile while running is right up there. Listening to the coach, or picking up signals the first time they are given is important. Learning to round the base prior to reaching it will save an awful lot of time (on hits where the ball has clearly left the infield) or when rounding second or third. Running right through first on close plays is important. If these and other aspects of proper running are taught, which foot to hit a base with will become a mute point.

A real important point about base running, is that other than slidding, most aspects of running can be learned by most anyone. It's not like hitting a ball or throwing a strike. Even a rather unathletic boy or girl can be taught how to run correctly. It doesn't matter whether the child is the slowest runner on the team, or the fastest - if taught proper technique they will get around the bases more quickly. A very unoriginal drill, but one which will give immediate feedback to the boys/girls, is to simply time them running from home to first, after swinging at a pitch (or first to second). Let each kid do it at least twice. Let each one know their time. Their second times will be faster probably 80% of the time or more. Now take some time to show them the correct way to run. Take all the time needed to go over the most important parts. Now retest them. If they do as instructed, they will see their times have improved even more (assuming you were clear with your instructions). They will have been given immediate feedback as to how proper technique can help everyone. I tell my players and their parents that proper technique is everything in everything. Jerry Kindalls book has an excellant chapter on proper running technique.