Baserunning can be super fun when you do it right and it can be a huge advantage as well. However, there are a few simple things that you can change to improve your baserunning and today I’m going to share just one.
Actually, this is one of my BIGGEST Pet Peeves when it comes to baserunning.
I’m telling you right now…Do NOT do this!
If you do, you WILL annoy me and drive me up the wall. Of course, if I don’t see you play, I guess it’s not that big a deal (the driving me up the wall thing), but it IS a big deal for you as a baserunner if you do this.
What is this pet peeve of mine? This baserunning no-no?
NEVER, under ANY circumstances…
Walk back to the base with your head down looking at the dirt because you “think” the play is more or less over
This is bad, bad, bad!!!
- First of all, in most situations, you should not be walking to a base
- Second: you should NOT have your back turned to the ball (unless you’re already diving or hustling back to the base)
- Third: your eyes should not be on the ground, or on your feet, or on the base…they should be on the BALL (again…unless you’re already diving or hustling back to the base)
- Fourth: how the heck are you going to take the next base if something happens if you’re facing the wrong way (back to the next base) and you’re not even paying attention to what’s happening with the ball?
- Fifth: a fiesty defender may just go ahead and try to see if they can get the ball to the base quicker than you can walk. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing and pretty close to shameful if you got thrown out or picked off because you took your eyes off the ball, turned your back on the ball, AND walked instead of hustled.
Remember…
- Even if you’re standing on the base, if the play is not dead yet, your eyes should be on the ball!
- IF you are going to slowly make your way back to the base because you see the ball coming in to the pitcher, then again, keep your eyes on the ball as you retreat.
- The only time you turn your back or take your eyes off the ball is when you know you have to get back quick and you are on your way back to the base at whatever your top speed is at that time.
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lcrward/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Haha its funny tht u mention someone throwing the ball when your not paying attention.
I myself as a catcher, alway pay very close attention to the runner’s eyes. If i notice them not watchin me, i might as well throw one down tht way. i have got countless girls out with this and its funny because sometimes when they get on base again, they make the same mistake.