Proper running form is essential to having speed on the bases and in particular in getting down the line to first base as quickly as possible. I have seen a lot of players who run on their heels or who run straight up. The proper form for a batter or base runner is to angle their bodies as they begin and then slowly to straighten up as they gain speed. There is a great drill that can help in teaching proper form in running.

Have your hitter stand without a bat and simulate standing in the batter's box. You stand about 10-15 feet away simulating a point down the first base line. Have your hitter make a swing and then you drop a tennis ball from about shoulder height (I generally have a piece of wood that I have the ball bounce on so that it bounces fairly high). The hitter must get out of the batter's box and run toward the ball and try to catch it before it hits the ground a second time. They cannot do this if they are standing stright up. They must angle their upper bodies to get to the ball before it bounces a second time.

Doing this a couple of times a week can really help establish proper muscle memory and lower your teams' times to first base.

This tip was contributed by Coach Mike