It sounds easy enough. Runner on 3rd with less than 2 outs and a fly ball is hit in the outfield. Runner tags, takes off and he slides into home safely. Perfect, right? Now we all know it doesn’t always work out like this so lets start from the beginning.
It doesn’t matter if you are able to lead off in your league or not. When you are on 3rd and the ball is hit almost everyone is going to take a step or two in the direction of home plate. It is at this point when our body position comes into play and sets ourselves up to score a run. It’s important that we get back to the base as soon as possible. Next make sure that your whole body, including the shoulders are lined up with home plate and your head is turned looking at the outfielder who is about to make the catch. Your head and shoulders move independently of one another and they don’t both need to be facing in the same direction.
On a ball that is hit in fair territory to left field all the way over to foul territory in right field, the balls on the bottom of your left foot should be touching the base. On a ball that is hit in foul territory to left field the balls on the bottom of your right foot should be touching the base. Having your foot in this position simulates a track runner who has his or her foot on the starting block and their body is facing the finish line. If the side of your foot rests on the base when you are tagging up you add an extra step by having to turn your hips towards home plate as you are leaving the base. This takes extra time and one or two steps could very well result in an out versus being called safe.
As elementary as this sounds we as coaches see it happen the wrong way too often. Take pride in small things such as foot placement and you will see the results in the box scores very soon.
