Baserunning

[default]

I was watching the Purdue vs Minnesota (Big Ten tourney and yes I'm behind on my games LOL). I found it very interesting though - the Purdue baserunners led off in a track style manner. The runners crouched down and pushed off the base in the same manner a track sprinter would from the line.

How many coaches teach this method? Is it beneficial? Has anyone timed a girl using this method versus rocking or just being in front of the base and taking off at release? Which is the quickest?

It just seemed to slow the runners down to me since they are crouching so low to the ground (actually touching the ground) only to come to full height again and either take off for the next base or back to the original base. It doesn't seem advantageous in softball.

Any thoughts?

Marie

 

[default]

I seen the same thing last week. It must be beificial as that is the start position for track. I think it may be the combo of timing as well as the intial burst out of the lower body they are looking for. Never seen it before last week though.

 

[default]

teaches staying low and exploding off the base.

 

[default]

I have seen more of the bigger schools using this method...explode and stay low for the first 3 steps. I haven't seen any stats on it, but like any good baserunning, I suppose with enough practice you could gain a second or two.