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CONTACT TO 1ST DRILL
PURPOSE: To evaluate speed and practice proper technique when trying to beat out a play at first base. To enhance ability to get down the baseline.
EQUIPMENT: Home Plate, First Base, Stopwatch SET-UP: Player(s) line up behind home plate, when it is players turn they take stance in batters box. EXECUTION: Player swings bat as if hitting a pitched ball. As bat crosses the hitting zone the coach starts the stopwatch. Hitter then focuses on getting to first base as fast as possible focusing on the following: take 2-3 hard steps out of the box, then quickly glance to see if the ball went through the infield (we are pretending the infielder made the play and runner must get to first base quickly) Once realizing the need to get to first player should look at the front of the base, when players look at the base it more than likely leads to hitting the front exactly without lunging or stutter stepping at the very end. Player hits front of base with foot (coach stops timer) and once the base is crossed they break down with wide choppy steps. Player should look to the right for a possible overthrow. COACHING TIP: Time each players Contact to 1st time and have them strive to improve as the season progresses. "It seems countless times players are out by just one step, imagine if each player on your team was just one step faster."
-Coach Tim |
Check out the Contact to 1st Drill Video!
How fast is the fastest player on your team from Contact to 1st. How old are they, and what is the base length? E-Mail me and share.
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