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In softball, you need to be able to run quickly to get from one base to another. I understand if you think that that’s all you’ll ever need to get you past the basemen.

But the truth is that softball isn’t just about running, or running fast for that matter. There are other things you need to consider when it comes to this part of the game.

Why am I telling you this? That’s because I know a lot of softball players who hire the wrong types of coaches to help them run faster than ever before. You want to perform better? Hire a coach. That’s alright. But make sure you’re spending your money on the right kind of coach.

What I recommend, then, is that you get a coach who specializes in softball, not in any other sport. A sprint coach can help you run faster, we all know that. But would the extra speed help you become a better softball player? I’m not so sure about that.

That’s because here’s what your coach should be teaching you to make the most of the drills for your softball game:

1. The Proper Timing – it’s not all about speed, as I mentioned earlier. The truth is that you don’t need to be Usain Bolt or some other world-class sprinter to run bases, only if you know how to run the bases smartly.

What you need to learn, then, is the proper timing. Your coach should be able to teach you when is the best time to steal bases, and when it’s better to just stay where you are. Running quickly doesn’t teach you timing.

2. The Ability to Accelerate Quickly – there’s a difference between running fast and the ability to accelerate quickly. Running fast enables you to get from one point to another in less time, while acceleration is being able to burst out of point A as quickly as possible.

As a softball player, you would need quick acceleration more than just your running speed. Acceleration has more practical uses to your game than speed. If you’re able to accelerate quickly, you can burst out of the batter’s box quicker, and coupled with great timing and good running speed, you can steal more bases than your average softball player.

3. The Ability to Change Directions Quickly - whether you’re playing defense or offense, nothing beats a player who can change directions quickly. When you’re playing offense, this ability allows you to spin quickly from the batter’s box and towards the first base. Or when playing defense, you will be able to adjust your position quickly when catching fly balls.

So again, softball is more than just running speed. Just as how well you hit the ball is more than just your bat speed, you need to take a complete approach to your game to help you to always be a step ahead of the competition, both figuratively and literally. And finally, get specific softball coaching. If you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars per hour on a coach, look for someone who can really help you with your game.