Safe … by a yard!

If you have visited my website in the past you probably know why it is called “Baseball By The Yard.”  If you don’t know what it means, the video on the front page will explain it.  That being said, take a look at the following photo.

The runner who is about to score is a player on a team that just won the 2013 Pennsylvania AAAA state championship.  His run was the extra inning walk-off run that did it.  Notice where the ball is in the photo.  Roughly a yard away. 

To score from second base on a base hit, here are the little things a runner needs to do to get there as fast as possible.

• He needs to take a proper two-out primary lead off second base.
• He needs to take a proper secondary lead on the pitch.
• He needs to see the ball off the bat well and get a good jump.
• He needs to take the proper two-out angle to third base.
• He needs to touch the proper part of the base as he makes his turn.
• He needs to take the proper angle to home plate.
• He needs a proper slide into home plate.

All these things require attention to detail and prior practice.  Put all those things together and a runner will get to home plate at least a yard faster than someone who doesn’t do those things as well.

If he does, he’s more likely to be safe … and may just win a championship too!