what foot should touch the bag when rounding first to second
by Kevin
(Indianapolis, IN)
Touching inside corner of bag with right foot
Kevin asked:I have seen it taught both (right foot first/ left foot first) ways and wanted to teach the correct way. thank you.
Rick answered: Kevin, thank you for your question!
You are correct, it is taught both ways.
The most important factor, especially for younger kids, is to hit the base in stride, no matter what foot you use. Slowing down, shuffling feet are going to slow the runner down more than which foot they were touching with.
There is information at baserunning home to first on what we teach our players. While the test we ran was far from scientific, we concluded that players cut their times down hitting the inside corner with their right foot.
Bases have a slight downward slant, which provides a good push towards second.
The runner's body mass is towards the inside, which helps pull them towards second, rather than out towards right field.
All are small points and overlooked results, but we feel if the players believe in it, and it helps you beat those close plays, it is worth the effort to work on.
With experience, players figure out where to set their drive point so they are hitting the inside corner with their right foot. Just takes practice.
This past week while I was watching a Diamondback's game, they mentioned during the broadcast the D'backs teach "right foot". Others teach left. That is often the way in baseball.
I am a true believer in the importance of teaching base running. It is fun to teach and pays very large dividends come game time.
Good luck with your coaching. It is one of life's great pleasures!
Yours in baseball,
Rick
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