Diamond Drill – Run Through First

So, who has a problem with getting their players to understand the concept of running through first base, not to first base?  Baseball is a game of inches, and on the base paths is where it can either win or lose games.  A player hits the ball to a fielder and hustles up the first base line, but they get within 5 feet of the bag and they slow down.  Once they hit the bag, they come to a complete stop.  This drill will help them understand to run through the bag.

Split your team in half.  One group stands at the plate, the other half stands at third.  The player at home runs to first, while the player at third runs to second.  Make it a race, either individual race or team race.  The runner takes off, and as his foot hits the bag, the next one goes.

—tim