In fastpitch softball, you can’t leave the base before the pitch is released. Leaving early is an out under USA Softball youth fastpitch rules. This drill trains the legal break: foot loaded on the bag, eyes on the pitcher’s hand, sprint the moment the ball is released.

Equipment needed: Three bases, a pitching circle, 10 softballs, a pitcher and catcher.

Setup: Three runners on bases (first, second, third). Pitcher in the circle. Catcher behind the plate. Fielders at short, second, and first.

How to run it:

  1. Runner stands with one foot on the base, the other foot back, weight loaded forward like a sprinter at the blocks.
  2. Pitcher takes the sign and starts the windup. Runner stays in contact with the base.
  3. The instant the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, the runner breaks. No earlier.
  4. If the runner’s foot leaves the bag before release, they’re out. Call it. Send them back.
  5. The catcher receives the pitch and either holds the ball or makes a throw to the base. The runner reads the throw and either slides in or returns.
  6. Run 5 reps per runner at each base. Rotate.

What to look for: The break should be timed to the release, not the windup. Runners who guess the windup will jump early and rack up outs. Watch the lead foot; it should still be touching the bag when the pitcher’s hand starts forward, and only push off when the ball is in the air.

If they’re struggling: Take the catcher’s throw out of the rep. Just have the runner break on release and sprint to the next base. Build the timing first, add the read later.

If they’ve got it: Add a stolen-base attempt on every release. Time the runner first to second; under 3.5 seconds is the bar at this age. Mix in pitchouts so the catcher sometimes has the ball ready and the runner has to read whether to dive back.