| Although it is very obvious that running a 60 yard | | | | thing that distinguishes a baseball start from, say |
| dash is different from attempting to steal second | | | | a track start, is that in baseball the player starts |
| base, I often wonder if players understand the | | | | sideways to where they are running (second |
| differences between the two. Actually, based on | | | | base). The player uses this type of start because |
| my experience with training baseball players to | | | | in a game they have to be prepared to move in |
| improve their speed, I am fairly confident that | | | | either direction. Therefore, in a 60 yard dash, as |
| most do understand the differences, but fail to | | | | long as the runner starts sideways to where they |
| make any changes in their strategy when it | | | | are asked to go, they will most likely resemble a |
| comes to running their 60 yard dash. | | | | traditional baseball start and usually will not be |
| Although every scout or coach may assess the | | | | called out for cheating. |
| 60 yard dash utilizing different rules, the following | | | | With that being said, here are a few changes that |
| are the most popular: | | | | should be incorporated into your 60 yard dash |
| - The runner must start in a traditional steal-start | | | | start: |
| position. | | | | - The front (right) foot should be pulled back so |
| - The time will begin based on when the runner | | | | that the back foot is able to move directly |
| makes their first movement. | | | | towards the target and not have to go around |
| Therefore, it is usually understood that the total | | | | the front foot. |
| distance between a 60 yard dash (180 feet) and | | | | - The front (right) toes should be turned out |
| stealing second base (under 90 feet after taking a | | | | more so that the runner could push-off |
| lead-off) is different. However, the most | | | | immediately and not have to turn it any more |
| important thing to understand is that you cannot | | | | upon first movement, wasting valuable time. |
| get picked-off when running a 60 yard dash and | | | | - The arms should be switched so that the right |
| the only thing that you'll need to worry about is | | | | arm is loaded and ready to fire. |
| running forward (to your right) and not | | | | Remember, in a 60 yard dash time usually starts |
| backwards (to your left). | | | | on your first movement. Therefore, you should |
| Even though the rules of a 60 say that players | | | | immediately cover ground and eliminate any |
| must start in a traditional steal-start stance, they | | | | movement that simply gets you ready to run. |
| do not say exactly what that entails. The only | | | | |