Base running times

[311road]

Just curious what are good times from home to first, first to third and home to home?
In 10u, 12u, 14u, 16u, high-school and division 1 and 2 colleges?
Or as you get older do the use other timing methods?

 

[Maxx]

I surveyed some college coaches about a year ago about which manner they would prefer to see kids timed. 100% of respondents said they preferred a straight 20 yard dash over any other method. If you have the capability, a laser timed dash is the most accurate option.

I have done a lot of research on recorded laser timed 20 yard dash times in high school aged and college aged softball players. This is what I came up with:
Poor = 3.61 and higher
Below average = 3.60-3.34
Average = 3.33-3.07
Above average = 3.06-2.80
Elite = 2.79 or lower

 

[GeneralsDad]

Based on the DD's conversations with D1 coaches, 2.6-2.7 is the target for speed recruits. Seems like the 2.8-3.0 is the new average. Home to home times should be sub 12.

 

[Lester]

Some good stuff from Ondecksoftball.net

http://ondecksoftball.net/blog/view/thoughts-on-odm-and-the-athletic-index


In this link you'll see some times to compare. These numbers cover players from 8th grade to upper high school levels and they are not identified by color (AKA age) and a number.
http://ondecksoftball.net/uploads/pages/Portland_Tryout_ODM.pdf

The 20 is the time to first.

Best times to first I've seen are 2.5, 2.55, 2.61 to first and home to home under 11.. I wanna say 10.6-10.8... all from the same player at 2.5 and 2.55. The 2.61 was someone else. We were actually at that event in Chicago about 2 years ago. We've attended 2 of these events in Chicago.

http://ondecksoftball.net/uploads/pages/2014_Chicago_Jamboree_ODM_Results.pdf

 

[311road]

So the way most will do it is electronically, straight line distance? Not necessarily on the bases?

 

[Maxx]

So the way most will do it is electronically, straight line distance? Not necessarily on the bases?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[wow]

Hmmmmm there are three left turns on the diamond. I am not sure you can discount the ability to turn corners...

 

[Chad Strahler]

Hmmmmm there are three left turns on the diamond. I am not sure you can discount the ability to turn corners...

Yea, agree 100%. Actually when we used to run in the gym for school ball our fastest girl on the bases would get outran line to line in the gym by a couple slower girls on the field. I always said she had the dirt speed we needed, didn't care about the court.

 

[SMc4SMc]

@wow and @Wildcatz... I agree straight line speed is a great indicator but that baserunners speed could be different due to form in turns when rounding, on dirt or turf, and the all important read or jump from the rocker position ..basically the experience and confidence to challenge a catcher.

 

[SoCal_Dad]

They're obviously going to use a straight path for the shorter measurements (i.e. 10-20yd).

Recruiters want to see raw speed because they can develop the rest.

 

[Chad Strahler]

They're obviously going to use a straight path for the shorter measurements (i.e. 10-20yd).

Recruiters want to see raw speed because they can develop the rest.

Very true point

 

[Lester]

They're obviously going to use a straight path for the shorter measurements (i.e. 10-20yd).

Recruiters want to see raw speed because they can develop the rest.

they are also looking for their acceleration rates or when they plateau beyond just straight up times. Shows strength and power so I'm told.

 

[SoCal_Dad]

they are also looking for their acceleration rates or when the plateau beyond just straight up times. Shows strength and power so I'm told.

Good point(s). That's apparent with the various distances - especially with the 10 yd.