I find that the traditional wisdom on how to steal bases is a bit stale. Here’s an idea from Todd that can be used in your [tag]softball[/tag] practices and [tag]softball coaching clinics[/tag].
Speed Kills–a [tag]Base Stealing[/tag] Drill
We teach all base runners to steal and to steal our way in this [tag]drill[/tag].
#1 foot is outside the base along the side nearest the outfield at 1b and 2b and on the foul line at 3b, not placed on the bag or pushing against it or resting in front of the bag toward the next advancing base.
The outside bag take off gives a couple of milli-seconds head start toward a safe steal. It is nearly impossible to be called for leaving early because your entire foot is resting against the bag as you take off and come fwd. Your foot at some point is still in contact with the bag and with proper tech you are 3 feet closer to being safe and still have contact with the bag.
With break away bases or softy bags and the best cleat designs ever the push off to steal is as old as wood bats–way out dated and even leads to frequent injury and season ending ankle damage or worse.