Softball |
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| Softball in terms of proximity is analogous is a shorten version of baseball. The base path in baseball is 90 feet and distance from mound to home is 60 feet 6 inches; the base path in softball is 60 feet and distance from mound to home is 40 feet. Infield and outfield measurements are shorter in softball than baseball. The window used by Tom Tellez, University of Houston Head Track Coach describing factors that contribute to a 10 second 100 meter dash shortens as the proximity and parameters of other sports shorten. Both baseball and softball share common ground in that speed becomes more apparent the further base runners has to run. The characteristics of these players is should be apparent. Softball base path distance require that these players train powerfully. The characteristics of these players are analogous to husky quarter horses vs slightly leaner baseball players just as sprinters are characteristically larger and more powerful than their leaner and less powerful distance runners. The game of softball and its players are not only powerful but quicker because of its proximity and parameters. A ball hit to right field in baseball would normally result in a single where the same ball in softball could result in the runner being thrown out as if hit in the infield. Base runners are not allowed to take lead-offs as in the case of baseball; therefore it is necessary to develop greater quantities of acceleration. The problem! These players interpret the need for greater quantity of acceleration as increasing the intensity in the start...far from the truth. "Lift Off" is the key. Just as a quick trigger finger does not influence the quality or quantity of the bullet's flight and ability to hit its target...neither does the start. One's ability to recover from "lift off" in the least number of steps and accelerate to peak speed will steal more bases and stretch one bases into two bases or more. Conclusion: Train explosively. Practice reaching peaks of acceleration at 38 of 60 feet and teach players how to decelerate to the next base. This applies to predetermined distances such as the base path. (See base runners ...3rd paragraph). |