Back to the Basics

Base running is probably one of the most under-coached elements of fast pitch softball. That’s a shame, because smart base running can turn the tide during a ballgame and generate more wins.

It certainly helps to have 2.7 speed from home to first. But some of the best baserunners I’ve seen had average speed. But what they were was smart. When they were on first, they would look to see whether the shortstop was covering second after each pitch, or even paying attention if the ball wasn’t put in play. They knew they didn’t have the speed to steal the base outright, but they knew they could pull off a delayed steal pretty easily. Knowing what to do and when a huge advantage on the bases.

There are other components to be considered besides the watching the shortstop.  Tonight Abigail learned the difference in running and particularly sliding on turf versus a dirt infield.  She had a nice hit and rounded first, headed to second when the coach yelled for her to ‘get down’ meaning the ball was headed to second and she needed to get there fast by sliding.  She got down sliding into second only to find she was sliding on turf, slick turf, not rough textured dirt.

When she finally did get stopped, second base was somewhere under her shoulder blades.  The umpire was laughing as he called her safe.  She was laughing so hard she had trouble calling ‘time’ so she could stand up on second without getting out.  The very next play, coach told her to steal third but the opponents player was in the base line causing another disjointed and amusing play.  She made it to third, again laughing with the coach shaking his head. The Chargers took the win 12-0 over Canyon Creek Christian Academy but both teams may return to the basics at their next practice. 

But may the righteous be glad

    and rejoice before God;

    may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3