Base Running in Softball: How to Take a Lead Off

This iSport Lessons video teaches softball players how to lead off a base in softball.
softball.isport.com/softball-v...

[@chrisbriano3153]

I really like that you showed both ways of leading off. As a umpire and coach at both H.S. and College levels, I prefer the 'PUSH OFF' lead-off method. Reason is in the name, the push off. If you time your self using both methods I'm sure you will find the push off method is faster. It's like in Track, (I also ran track in 'my day') you see the sprinters use their starting blocks because of the push off and it's faster then a standing start. From the umpires point of view were not dumb, we know what the runners are trying to do and Frankly when you are on the side of the base you are actually behind the base and taking off a few inches behind which sometimes I've seen girls get thrown out by 'Just that much'. Still some might feel more comfortable taking off from the side and for anyone reading this, do what works for you. But seriously, time yourself, see what works. The Push off, or the side of the bag. Great work on the video, again happy you show both ways. I haven't seen other videos yet but do you incorporate the 'Pop Up Slide' and the Keeping contact with the base and ask for time so you don't get called out while trying to get up and not knowing the fielder is still lightly holding the tag on you. 'The base Ump' is Watching, throw a Hand up and yell out: "Time Blue! Time please" umps like when a runner still has the integrity to be respectful and YOU WILL get that time call alot quicker. Never hurts to try right, whatever advantage you can figure out for yourself and your team, do it. "The More You Know..." ;-)

[@isabellathelander3866]

Hi