speed question

If he plays first or third base and hits a lot, then the speed is not an issue. Most (nearly all) middle infielders at higher levels will run a sub-7 sixty.

On the other hand, as you point out, many players play faster than their time in the 60. So, keep in mind, that there are exceptions to every "rule".

my son is a 2010 and plays MIF as well as CF. almost all of the college coaches we have talked to want their MIF's to be around 6.7 in the 60. speed is something that can be slightly improved on but can't be taught. there are speed performance coaches out there but as he fills out that will probably take away from his speed. with his size you might think about a move to 1B or 3B. just IMHO.

quote:

When coaches watch him play he stands out defensively and his lack of speed isn't noticed as he has good reaction times and very soft hands.

As the talent funnel narrows he'll be competing against middle infielders with good reaction time and soft hands who run sub seven sixties. Your son needs to knock a half a second of his time.

My son did knock half a second off his time between summer entering his sophmore year (7.5) and this summer entering his senior year (6.94), so it is not impossible. Once he stopped growing the speed came.

Things that can be done to improve your time:

1. The obvious, get faster.

2. Work on your start. Quickest, easiest way to shave time off. Most guys don't have very good starts.

3. Running form.

Son went from 7.35 in early June to 6.95 in showcase last week. Better start, better technique, more strength, more relaxed! When he stopped caring about his 60 his times started to go down. When a college coach told him "I can see you're a speed player - I don't need to see your 60" it became easier to run the 60.

One thing I have seen improve speed is jumping rope. Sounds simple, but it really works the musles that raise your legs and will improve your running speed!

Speed is the common denominator on offense and defense. It's the one thing that can only be improved on slightly, you are born with it or you are not. Anything north of 7.0 is not going to cause a stir. Find a track coach and jump rope.

Your son is in great shape imo. He is just entering his soph year , has great size , by your accounts can play and he is a 7.5 runner. As he gets older and stronger and continues to work hard his time is going to get better. I have coached a lot of kids over the years and they all get faster as they get older. The ones that work at it get a lot faster. And to be honest with you 7.5 for a kid that size thats just entering his soph year is good speed.

I coached a kid that was a 7.4 runner coming out of HS that started at SS for an SEC school. He knew how to play and he could flat out hit. He played much faster than his 60 time. Most mif are going to be sub 7 guys. If your son ends up being a 7.2 7.3 guy there is no reason he cant play the corners. I surely wouldnt worry about this at all. Just continue to work hard and it will not be an issue.

I have coached several young players that were slower than him at this age who this was never an issue for.

I know its time to start preparing for the summer tourns and events to get noticed and speed is one of the eye openers.Found this link on scout.com. Touches on elite level speed.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=37&f=2703&t=5480102
So anything 7.0 to some of these guys times you're doing ok. Also agility training aids in speed along with cleaning up mechanics.

How old? Mine went from 7.5 at 16 1/4 yo, to 7.2 at 16 3/4 yo to 6.8 (fast track) at 17 3/4 yo. He was roughly the same height and weight as yours.

quote:

Originally posted by ugaOutfielder78:
Speed is the common denominator on offense and defense. It's the one thing that can only be improved on slightly, you are born with it or you are not. Anything north of 7.0 is not going to cause a stir. Find a track coach and jump rope.

I've not see a speed track guy steal first base, ever!