Mike:
We know through formal training that "the ball takes you to the play."
So, as example, on a steal of second base as a BU we watch F2 catch the ball as we "are opening the gate" and as the ball passes us by we bring our left foot around to become square to the second base bag. (Hopefully you have gained a couple of steps towards second base as the ball is traveling towards the ultimate goal).
As the fielder begins to receive the ball normally the runner then enters in your reference frame. As long as you do not get to close to the call (where it can blow up on you) the natural progression is to follow the ball, the fielder appears and then the runner.
I have NEVER tried to aquire the runner prior to the ball arrival.
We know through training it takes three things for a play:
A Ball
A Runner
A Fielder.
Hope this answers your question.
Regards,
|