Leaving the base on the release

Setup

1. A pitcher in the circle and a catcher in full gear. Pitching distance as your league uses (check your league's distance).
2. Runners in helmets on first, second and third; the rest line up behind each base.
3. A coach stands near first base, side-on to the pitcher, watching runners' feet and the pitcher's hand.

How it runs

1. Each runner sets up in a rocking start: one foot touching the front edge of the base, the other foot behind, weight on the back foot.
2. The pitcher starts the windmill. As the arm comes over the top, runners rock their weight forward, foot still on the base.
3. On the release, runners push off the base and take three hard steps, then stop and read.
4. The catcher catches and returns the ball to the pitcher. Runners go straight back to the base: once the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the look-back rule means they must return or advance at once, without stopping.
5. The coach calls out anyone who left before the release; that runner is out in a game. After three pitches, each runner moves on one base.

Coaching points

• Watch the pitcher's hand, not the catcher or the batter.
• Time the rock so the push-off happens as the ball leaves the hand, not before.
• First step is a hard, low push, not a hop or a stand-up.
• Three steps then read: stop on balance so you can go back or go on.
• Look-back rule: once the pitcher has the ball in the circle, commit straight away. Check your competition's rules for the exact wording.
• Catcher: practise a quick look at each runner before returning the ball.

Common mistakes

• Leaving early because the runner watched the pitcher's leg instead of the hand.
• Rocking start with both feet off the base.
• Standing up tall on the first step, so the start is slow.
• Drifting back slowly or stopping off the base after the return, breaking the look-back rule.
• Runners not wearing helmets because it's 'only a drill'.