Baseball/Softball - Baserunning Dugout Drill
The Dugout Baserunning Drill accomplishes two things. First it teaches your baserunners that first base is not a destination - it is a spot over which they must run at top speed. Many beginners get caught at first by slowing down as they approach, then making a dainty little hop onto directly onto the bag.
Second, it prevents another mistake that many young baseball players make. That is, running over first base, then turning to their left as a return to the base - putting them back into the field of play where they can be tagged.
The Dugout Drill
Players line up at home plate, with the Player #1 assuming a batting position in the batters box (no bat is needed). A first base coach stands in position.
On your signal, Player #1 sprints down the first base line. As he approaches first base, the coach shouts one of two commands - Image 1 "Go, Go, Go!" which tells the player to continue running to second base, or "Dugout, Dugout, Dugout!" which indicates that he should tag the base, run full-speed past it for two or three strides, then turn towards the right.
Once he slows down, he must turn to the right again and run quickly back to first base, ready to advance in case the fielders make an error.
Reference: Olan Suddeth, "Dugout! Run Past First Base on Every Hit," Youth Baseball Info.com, August 2006. http://www.youthbaseballinfo.com
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