How to do the drill
- 1
Stand on the base: left foot on the front edge, right foot back in the dirt, knees bent.
- 2
Your partner stands where the pitcher would and does a slow windmill motion, full speed once you have the timing.
- 3
As their arm swings back, rock onto your back foot. As it comes forward, rock forward.
- 4
Push off with your left foot as they let go. Run 3–4 hard steps, then stop low, facing home.
- 5
Your partner calls "early," "good" or "late." Count the "good" ones out of 10.
Coaching cues
- Rock with the pitcher's arm.
- Leave as the ball leaves.
- Lead off like a steal.
What good looks like
Your left foot leaves the bag as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, and your first steps are low and fast.
Safety
In fastpitch, a runner who leaves before the pitcher releases the ball is out, so practice until your timing is never early. Some 8U and 10U leagues don't allow stealing or limit leading off, so check your league's rules before using this in games. Run on a flat, dry surface in running shoes or cleats.
Why this drill
Softball runners can't take a lead until the pitch is released, so the jump is all about timing. Rocking with the pitcher's arm gives you a rhythm to time from and momentum off the bag.
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