While coaching 1st I noticed that when the kids are running to 1st base they either slow down before they reach the base or stop on the base when they get there. So I started standing about 10 feet beyond 1st base during both practices and the games and told them not to stop running until they slapped my hand. By doing so they are learning the best way to beat the ball to the bag. To practice running from home to 2nd, I stand about 7 feet before 1st and about 5 feet from the foul line and have them slap my hand as they round 1st and touching the corner of the bag before they head to 2nd.