Speed is an essential tool in the game of softball. A player's time to first is one of the most valuable measurements of their quickness. First off, colleges use it as a platform to measure your speed, it's also one of the most important skills you can acquire. So what happens when players can't lower their times? This is the number one reason I see; players "pop up" when they run. Running is based relatively on our energy input and output. When a player starts to stand upright energy escapes straight up, slowing them down vs leaning low so that energy output can act as a power source that drives them forward. It's a hard habit to correct but it is correctable and when you make that slight tweak you'll see a HUGE difference in a players mechanics and lower speed times.

I use the Acceleration Speed Cord or Kinetic Bands. The player learns to produce a hard drive to pull against the resistance. The band also helps with creating that lean. I've literally shaved girls times to first from 3.2's and above to below 3 in a matter of learning this simple skill.