Rocker step or track start?

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Rockers starting their move when the pitchers hand is coming down have a better percentage of leaving on the release, that half second earlier jump helps slower reflex players. For a speedy runner I say what ever they feel good with their speed makes it happen. Slow runners need that movement to gear up.

 

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I think the Rocker step is a little more effective, If you teach them to stand with their left foot on the outfield edge of the bag they will not trip over the bag when leaving. I like the fact that they are in a one step motion as the pitchers arm is coming down then pushing off the bag with their left foot seems like a quicker start. The main thing is to choose what way you are going to teach base running to the players and perfect it, And either way will be effective. I have seen teams where the base runners stand stright up while the pitch is being delivered and are not real sure what to do. By teaching one way and perfecting it you give the player the confidence to be a good base runner.

 

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I still think a poorly timed rocker vs an equally poorly timed track start has the track start ahead every time, simply because it's less distance to run.

Please explain your logic here are the bases closer than 60' when you use a track start? The basic concept of both methods is the runners foot leaves the bag when the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the next base is the same distance either way. Help me out here.

 

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I THINK he's saying his version of the track start you don't have your foot behind the bag. You just start with a foot out front and your back foot on the bag. That gives you a step closer to the next base.

But if you are doing the track style right, you still start with your lead foot on the front of the bag and your back foot behind. You still start your movement when the ball is behind the pitcher to push off on release.

 

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I am saying the lead foot is NOT on the base, it's 57' away from the next base. The trail foot is on the base. With a rocker start, to begin with neither foot is closer to the next base, one is usually behind the base and one is on (or adjacent to) the base.

If both theoretical runners start from this position and neither moves until the pitch is halfway to home, (as is the case more than half the time from my observations), the track start with the lead foot in front of the base has less distance to run.

Klump, I always understood the method you described in par 2 above as a rocker start. Now I'm confused, but maybe it's just that I've been confused all along.

 

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I think you need to look at the studies I posted. Rocker start wins hands down! DD is a runner and we have been to many speed and agility camps in college that teach base running. All that we have attended teach the rocker start.

 

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It all boils down to what works best for each individual runner. I say do not commit 100% to either until you know what style works best for you. I have always been partial to the rocker as it seems to me that momentum is the key. It is not as clean of a start as the track style so it is harder to get called for leaving early. IMHO

 

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I THINK he's saying his version of the track start you don't have your foot behind the bag. You just start with a foot out front and your back foot on the bag. That gives you a step closer to the next base.

But if you are doing the track style right, you still start with your lead foot on the front of the bag and your back foot behind. You still start your movement when the ball is behind the pitcher to push off on release.

The best leadoff IMO, is the foot behind the bag....if worked on enough and the kids are taught how to time the pitcher, ...when done right there is not a better jump IMO....but lol, umps that arent paying attention will call you out for leaving early even when you dont

 

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Here's my crude (VERY crude) diagram, second base being on the left. I got an F in etch-a-sketch, good to see my skils are still at that level.

Is the study saying if both crude runners above begin moving at the same time, that the bottom runner has an advantage? Hmmm, I guess I'd have to see that to believe it.

I will concede that if the bottom runner starts moving before the top runner and times it so they are in roughly the same position at release, then they would have an advantage because they are moving.

From what I have observed watching games, so few runners are timing it anywhere close to properly, it's better to be closer than not. I suppose my bigger point would be base running is a skill that isn't emphasized enough and requires practice to get it right. At ALL levels. I expected to see better at the college level, I've been dissapointed.

 

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From what I have observed watching games, so few runners are timing it anywhere close to properly, it's better to be closer than not.

What age level are you watching? My dd HS team even does a pretty good job with the rocker and her travel team is pretty spot on.

You're right that it is all about proper instruction and practice. If you're runners don't occassionaly get called out for leaving early, then they are leaving late. Be agressive is the key.

 

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Here's my crude (VERY crude) diagram, second base being on the left. I got an F in etch-a-sketch, good to see my skils are still at that level.

Is the study saying if both crude runners above begin moving at the same time, that the bottom runner has an advantage? Hmmm, I guess I'd have to see that to believe it.

I will concede that if the bottom runner starts moving before the top runner and times it so they are in roughly the same position at release, then they would have an advantage because they are moving.

From what I have observed watching games, so few runners are timing it anywhere close to properly, it's better to be closer than not. I suppose my bigger point would be base running is a skill that isn't emphasized enough and requires practice to get it right. At ALL levels. I expected to see better at the college level, I've been dissapointed.

The one on first has a foot behind the bag and the lead foot on the front of the bag. When the ball is behind the pitcher, the back foot starts. By the time the pitcher releases, the foot on the bag is pushing off. Your momentum is going forward and you've already exploded off. If not timed right you get a late start and the early movement sometimes gets you called out for leaving early.

The one on 2nd has the lead foot in the base path and the back foot on the bag. This runner cannot leave until the ball is released from the pitchers hand. There is no momentum going and they risk leaving late. As a catcher, I LOVE when they try to steal with this kind of lead off.

 

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I've seen it across all age groups. Most of the games I have watched lately have been college. I was surprised at how poor the average start is from the base at that level. For the most part, if they are stealing the base, then they get a decent jump. If not stealing, then more often than not they are still on the base when the ball is halfway home.

Next game you go see, watch the runners more closely. I'd be surprised if you aren't surprised at how poorly most get off the base on a pitch by pitch basis. Certainly won't say all teams, all players or all the time by any stretch, but from what I have seen it's more the norm to get a lousy jump than a good one. One pitch the runner will get a good jump, the next pitch not so much.

Where that really becomes important is when the ball is put into play. Every step means something and can sometimes lead to a rushed play by the defense resulting in an error which may not have occured if the defense sees they have plenty of time. Also if you want to take an extra base, 3 feet is huge. This has little to do with which style a runner uses, more to do with practice, concentration and hustle EVERY pitch.

I do understand the concept of moving before release, but I don't see it being applied by runners on a consistent enough basis IMO. Which brings me to my point that if you are going to get a lousy jump, may as well have less distance to run. Ideally, quit getting a lousy jump!

 

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The base running and lead offs I've seen are horrible. I wonder how they get that far without learning how to run the bases. It's like a catchers dream!!

 

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I think most would say the explosive start is needed for what we say is a "GOOD JUMP". I would think anyone who runs track would go to that Sprinter Step and the Rocker will start their explosive start "GOOD JUMP" on the rocker leaning in a half upright position forward. Any player that runs low center mass to the ground would get a "GOOD JUMP" form a sprint position. A player who is taller with (long legs) higher mass would be better with a rocking start to get that exposive jump and speed geared up.
If players sizes effect their speed which some do, I say adjust to get which ever explosive start is better..... stop watch and go from there. Use what ever gets the results for the player in speed for the 60.

Not all players are the same size and held to the same speed. Adjust to what works best.

 

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Rocker start, personally ..... Going to vary by kid though.

Do what the coach teaches you, and do it the best you can. For kids that "get" the rocker start, and have the knack for timing, including pushing the envelope a little (not cheating) it is very effective. Like mentioned above, at a camp recently, I know a kid timed at 2.9 from H-1B, who then turned in a 2.6 from 1B-2B using the rocker - this kid is fast but not a "blazer" and rarely gets caught stealing, and opposing coaches continually complain that she left early (hardly ever, occasionally though). Stealing bases is mostly won or lost in the jump, ... with speed obviously a given, as well as the ability to slide proficiently (and creatively at times).

I know some other kids without the knack for timing and rhythm, who are more explosive, and just seem to be fired out of a cannon using the track start though. Either one is a technique that can be mastered, and may or may not be the best for a specific individual. Not all athletes are the same, physically, or mentally .... teach both, then "coach them up" based on their preference and capabilities!