Most kids slow down before reaching first base because they think they have to stop on the bag. The rule on a force play: run THROUGH first like it’s not there. Slowing down before the bag is the most common reason kids get out at first by half a step.
What you need: A base or a flat marker. An open area.
Setup: Mark home plate. Base 60 feet away (or whatever your league distance is).
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Drive, Touch, Brake.
- Eyes: look at the front edge of the bag.
- Drive: run hard from home, no slowing down.
- Touch: foot hits the front edge of the bag.
- Brake: slow down 10 feet PAST the bag, not before. Tell them: “Run past the base, then stop.”
What to watch: Are they slowing down before the bag? Most kids do. Stand 5 feet past the bag and tell them: “Run to me, not to the base.”
If they’re struggling: Shorten the distance to 30 feet. Same rules, less running.
If they’ve got it: Add a thrown ball. You toss a ball to a partner at first base. They have to beat the throw.