VIDEO, MAY BE SLOW DOWNLOAD...
Run down 101...This video is an actual video of a player I worked with for a couple of years at PGF play offs this summer. Yesterday I was working on speed skills with a player and she wanted to work on proper running technique in a run down. So I said what are you doing now? She showed me and so it was a great topic for her to bring up because; no one told her what her goals in a rundown was, how to successfully move in a rundown, and how to increase your chances of being safe. So here's my take on run downs from a point of speed skills and movement.. Run downs occur usually for two reasons; on purpose and by mistake. You either are sacrificing yourself to distract the defense to move a runner ahead of you or you messed up and took to big a lead or misread a play, etc. So here's some running skills to be successful in a rundown; always keep your feet moving and your head towards the player with the ball and stay low. Don't ever turn your back to the play until you commit to a base. I like to keep it moving for three or so throws than teach girls to commit.. Once you do that your either safe, may get an obstruction call or well your just out. Don't ever stand straight up, run full speed and stop to turn and run back, get off balance or frickin clap. I hate when I see girls do that. It's insulting to your competitors and you look dumb when they tag you out. I actually googled proper technique in run downs and found no proper running skills listed. Run downs are a bit tricky, it can be an easy skill to learn but it's hardly taught correctly in the running technique. In some cases, like the one above, it's a game changer.
Posted by Softball Strong on Tuesday, November 10, 2015