60 Yard Start

The crossover should be the first step. Just as if your going to steal a base. Time starts on the runners first move.

zg

Lefty’s dad:

I teach it like Zengrifter (cross over step first). Other tidbits that might help your players in future showcases and tryouts:

A. If possible, pair up with someone faster than yourself

B. Leave the moment the hat starts down a fraction of an inch

C. Do not stop, even if you leave a split second too soon

D. Push off on a teammates foot and offer to do the same for others

E. If possible, go early in the competition, as grass gets thin and/or damp after the first 6-12 runners

Hope this helps.

THop

Thanks guys!

"D. Push off on a teammates foot and offer to do the same for others "

Say what? Do you mean using your teammates foot as a starting block like the sprinters use? I hope your not serious. There isn't a scout in the world that would allow this. Besides spikes hurt.

zg

Thop

I am with Zengrifter--- you have to be kidding !

We don't even allow the players to stand behind the players during the 60 yard dash

So much for any faith in what you teach or what your website stands for

zg:

Very serious. Just have a teammate stand with the “side of his foot” against the “side of your runner’s back foot” to prevent him from slipping during his start so he can give an accurate time. Cleats won’t be a factor.

I have attended over 20 show cases and/or professional tryouts and have seen dozens of kids slip out of the blocks due to thinned out or wet grass. And not once was that player allowed to run it again. And once you post a 7.4 sixty it seems to be on your “permanent record” so to speak.

It’s a good safety precaution and I have recommended it to my ex players for the past 5 years.

THop

That 7.4 time only stays until the next time the scouts see you and you go to a 7.2, or perhaps even better. Guys do run faster as they grow and mature, just as they throw harder....and it isn't always from instruction or mechanics; more often than not it is from physical maturity!

"Very serious. Just have a teammate stand with the “side of his foot” against the “side of your runner’s back foot” to prevent him from slipping during his start so he can give an accurate time."

Wow! This will NEVER EVER be allowed in any showcase or MLB workout period.

zg

zg & TRHit:

Wow. Thanks for the comments.

Ironically, I got this from a local LA Dodgers scout during a try out 6 years ago at Kennesaw State University. The field was wet and the entire tryout took place in the outfield.

During the 60, he had every player who was next in line do this. I thought it was a great idea and added it to my list of little things. However, I value your opinion, and if you view this somehow as unethical instead of a safety precaution, I will immediate stop recommending it.

I always take (and teach my players to) take the high road.

Thanks again,

THop

If, as you guys explained, the crossover is the first move, to place a "starting block" behind the the back (or left) foot is unnecessary as that foot will be lifted and cossed over. It would be the front (or right) foot that the runner would drive off of. Correct?

Do you have a "starting block" or team mates foot at any of the bases if the field is wet?

Thop

You must be getting the "Drivel Effect" !!

TRHit:

Sorry. Just trying to be helpful. I will try to make up for it in future posts.

THop