Run through first base

Setup

1. Tee at home plate, first base at your league's base distance (60 ft, about 18 m, in senior softball; many junior leagues use shorter bases).
2. A cone 5–6 m past first base, in foul ground, marks where runners slow down.
3. Batters and runners wear helmets with face guards. The next batter waits behind a cone well away from the tee.
4. Coach stands in foul ground past first base, out of the running lane, to watch the foot hit the base.
5. If your league uses a double (safety) first base, the runner touches the orange outside half; check your competition's rules.

How it runs

1. The batter hits off the tee, sets the bat down (never throws it) and sprints for first, running in the lane on the foul side of the line.
2. The runner hits the front edge of the base at full speed with whichever foot arrives, without breaking stride.
3. Keep running through the base, then break down with short, choppy steps before the cone.
4. Look over the right shoulder for an overthrow, then walk straight back to first along foul ground.
5. The coach calls “Safe!” or “Slowed down!” Next batter steps up. Three runs each.

Coaching points

• Run through the base, not to it: aim at a spot past the bag.
• Touch the front edge of the base; it's the closest part.
• Eyes on the base for the last few steps, not on the ball.
• No jumping, leaning or sliding into first: they slow the runner down.
• Break down after the base, then look right for a loose ball.
• Come straight back to first. Turning and feinting toward second can get a runner tagged out.

Common mistakes

• Throwing the bat on the way out of the box.
• Slowing down a step or two before the base.
• Jumping onto the base or stopping on top of it.
• Watching the ball in the field instead of the base.
• Running inside the line, into the fielder's way.