Rounding First

Question
What is the "proper" foot to use when making the turn at first base.  Some folks argue the left foot, or inside foot, so the hips turn quicker.  Others argue it is whatever foot enables you to not break stride and take short, choppy steps.

When evaluating the younger girls, we really notice some girls slowing down to make sure they touch the inside corner with the left foot.  It clearly hurts their clock time to second base.

Thanks.

Tom B.

Answer
I instruct my girls to use which ever one they feel most comfortable with. I personally use my right, because him right footed.
Now is the question about simply rounding or is the runner trying to advance?
If a runner is trying to advance, as soon as she steps on the inside of the base, if she will simply take her left arm and pull down hard like pulling the arm on a slot machine, this motion or momentum of the arm will straighten out her body directly in line with second base. Thus allowing the runner to run straight towards first without having to moon out or the base path to continue on towards second.
This is an amazing tool for base runners and can be used on other bases as well.
Getting the girls to hit the bases running at full speed is tough but like everything else they get better with practice.
Try to get them to turn and run towards center field instead of second, increasing their angle until they learn what works for them.
Coaching H.S. ball, I correct mistakes with lots of practice, and not just the girls that are having problems. Its amazing how much better kids get when they have encouragement from team mates that do things correctly.
Hope I have been of some help, if I can help in the future please let me know.
Thanks, Coach Suthe.