Base Running Should Be Practiced More, and Can Help Your Team Win!
Base running is a huge part of baseball that young players don't practice enough. Running hard through first base (not to the base) is the first step!
When running to first, the player must take 3 looks on his way to the base. The first look is after the player hits the ball. At 3 steps into his run he must look into the field to locate the baseball. The next look is down on the first base bag to make sure he touches the front edge of the base with the front half of the foot.
The third and final look is after running through the base, the player must break down and look to his right to see if there is an overthrow. If you hit the ball into the outfield, you will make your turn and look toward second base. Listen to your first base coach and his verbal instructions, too.
With these 3 looks, the player will be aware of the ball location, the location of the first base bag to avoid injury, and possible situations like an overthrow or a liner into the outfield gap where he can advance to the next base. Injury is common when running to first base at all levels, so the proper technique and the use of the "3 Looks" are important components for you as a developing player in the game of baseball. These practices are often overlooked but they can help you contribute to your team's offense and make you a better player, too.
