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Rocker Start Steals

Use a rocking start on the base to get moving fast when the pitch is released.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Put your front foot on the base and the back foot behind.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
11 and up
Time
10 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Base, partner
Level · skill
Developing · Base Running

The steps

How it works

  1. Put your front foot on the base and the back foot behind.
  2. Rock your weight back as the pitcher starts.
  3. Push off on release and sprint 30 feet.
  4. Do 8 reps with full rest.

Coaching point

Rock back, launch on release.

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

Game version

Base-path follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement between the bases and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

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

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