Game version
Base-path follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement between the bases and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Clap and Go Starts
React to a clap and sprint a short distance to build a quick first step.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand at a cone in a ready stance.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, partner
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Base Running
The steps
How it works
- Stand at a cone in a ready stance.
- When your partner claps, sprint 10 yards.
- Walk back.
- Do 8 starts.
Coaching point
Hear it, go.
Safety: Warm up first and rest fully between runs. Stop if a muscle feels tight. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade, and stop if you feel dizzy or get a headache. If you hear thunder, go inside.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are a base runner exploring the diamond.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free softball week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
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Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.