Baseball or softball is not just about hitting the ball as hard as you can or pitching and catching everything effectively. Baseball is also about strong legs and lower body strength when running from one base to another. The only way a team scores points is if a player manages to run through all bases. Here are a few things that base runners should keep in mind.
1. Fast is Not Always the Answer
Base running is not just about getting to the other side. It is about taking into consideration all possibilities of strategy. Running fast is an advantage, but you’ll need to know where the ball always is, check if there’s a fly ball, anticipate the action and know when to slide. Being fast is not always the answer; a slow runner who understands when to slide and knows if the ball is near or far from them can always make it safely to the next base.
2. Hit And Run
Once you hit the ball, don’t wait for the ball to be considered foul or a grounder. Run as soon as you hit the ball whichever way you did. This places more pressure on the other team by trying to catch the ball and take you or one of the base runners out.
3. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Don’t be scared of the fielder reaching the ball for you. When running, focus on the next base and getting there as fast as you can. If you focus on the impending fielder, you’ll only get slowed down.
4. Look for Opportunities
Anticipate the action. Try to observe the other game players and their strengths and weaknesses. By knowing these small details about them, you can actually outrun them during a hit better than knowing nothing at all. Keep a close watch on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to know where the window of opportunity can actually help you in the process.
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Tags: advice, base running, baseball, bases, game, methods, running, strategies, tips