The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Kids curve around first. The cue is Eyes, Drive, Touch, Brake: they run at the inside corner of the bag.
What you need: Home plate and first base (regulation 60 feet), 10 kids in a line.
Setup: Kids at home plate. First base at 60 feet with a clear approach lane.
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Drive, Touch, Brake.
- Coach points to the inside corner of first base and says “touch the corner, not the side.”
- Kid sprints from home, aiming for the inside corner of the bag.
- They Touch the corner with their foot and Drive through.
- Do 5 reps. Walk back to home. Emphasize the corner angle.
What to watch: Do they run straight from home to first? Or do they curve? Straight line with a slight inside angle is fastest.
If they’re struggling: Place a cone at the inside corner. Have them run to the cone, not the base. This helps them visualize the path.
If they’ve got it: Add a fielder with the ball at first. Kid runs hard and touches. Fielder practices tagging.