Running speed, how important?

For college level softball and recruiting for same, how important is actual foot speed running on the bases?

If a kid is above average or outstanding hitting and defensively, but maybe with only average or below average running speed..................what's the general evaluation from a recruiting standpoint? I think a lot of girls may fall in this category. Talking about position players here.

 

Important, Yes...

It is important but it is not a deciding factor by no means! Fast foot work helps, even tournament coaches eyes get big when they see a fast kid! But lets all remember, that you can be fast all day, but if you can't get on base it doesn't help a lot! When the DD got to college they started workouts the 2nd week there. At 6 AM! The workouts started out consisting mainly of running for a solid hour, suicides, sprints, drills, and other workout stuff for abs and such etc. Of course then there is the position workouts! Pitchers and cathchers work together everyday for an hour! Infielders have a workout schedule and the outfielders have a workout schedule. Then they added long distance running into the pot, as in, in addition to, they run 3 miles every other day! Then they added the weight room on top of all that. Plus each member has personal workout with coach, for 1 hour,one day a week. They will get you in shape, don't worry! My DD has cut 6 minutes off her time for the 3 miles already and has taken 4 seconds off her base running (home to home) time. She most certainly was not recruited for her foot speed! But she has certainly improved on it! Hope this helps you some!

 

It is very important but if you are a hitter they will find a place to put you whether you are fast or slow.

 

games please

with that kind of practice regimen, I bet they are glad to see game day!

 

No games yet!

They haven't even had a game yet! They have only had one day off since school started! It is a full day, but they are definetly going to be in shape. Ha Ha They have no spare time, between the classes, workout schedule, and mandatory study hall, it is one full day! But my dd is loving the experience and all that goes with it! So all is good!

 

bumping along

more feedback on this, please?

 

The foot speed argument depends on who the coach is and what kind of philosophy they have towards recruiting.

Generally, one of the biggest differences, IMO, between the major Div I programs and all the rest is that most (even the bigger girls) have above average to great speed. Crystal Bustos is a great example of this. Even though she didn't go to a Div I school, she fits the profile of a bigger player who still has great overall speed.

When coaches recruit players, they look for players that fit into their offensive and defensive philosophies. If a coach believes in a lot of small ball, they are going to look for kids with exceptional speed and great reaction time. If a coach believes in the home run philosophy, then they are going to look for kids who are bigger and stronger and hit for more power. Coaches may also look for both of these types...it just depends what they are trying to do.

IMO, speed is one of the few things I cannot coach. I can teach someone to be faster or get better jumps, but speed just seems to be one of those things that you are born with. Training may take a couple of tenths off of your home to 1st time, but the really fast kids already have it.