Running From 1st to 2nd

Great Question Patrick,

(& all the answers from Jeff, Paul and Ron increased the level of information for him)

Let's try to summarize the various essentials. 1. Touching the bag

2. Where to touch the bag When running from home to 1b On an infield grounder

3. Where to touch the bag When running from home to 1b On a sure double

1. Touching the bag Sometimes when running from home to 1b on a clean basehit we forget to touch the bag. Oops. But this must be learned first.

2. Where to touch the bag When running from home to 1b

On an infield grounder we first want to run hard to 1b making sure that the distance from the batters box to the 1b is the shortest (which usually means straight line.). And since you are running hard all the time the best place to touch 1b is the closest part of the bag to home plate, the edge (in the middle of the edge), not the top part of the bag. (Why not the top? a. It takes the runner longer to get there b. cleats slip & may cause injury if fall

3. Where to touch the bag When running from home to 1b On a sure double.

The trick here is the angle of attack we make on the inward turn at 1b which makes the running path from 1b to 2b as short as possible (which is a little less than 90 feet e.g. about 89 7 1/2")

This inward turn makes the distance between home and first base longer (Sure hit double) but we make up for it in the angular momentum of our body as we run to 2b. (In other words, think of turning into your driveway from the sidewalk while riding your bicycle.) If we can make this inward turn as perfect as possible, then your path between 1b and 2b should almost be a straight line, thus which foot touches the base is of no importance, provided the inside part of the bag can be touched & in stride.

Did I also tell you this simple baserunning skill takes years and years of practice to understand and mazimize your potential in all weather and field conditions.

When watching a LL game to Babe Ruth Prep to JV HS game to D-3 to Pro Rookie Ball, watch for how many kids whom do not how to properly run from 1b to 2b. If you happen to pick this up at age 10, you will begin to learn the tricks of your trade. Good Luck

cheers

Bear