stance on base

Question
What is the best stance for a base runner's feet (girls fast pitch, 11-12 year olds with base stealing).  As an example on first base, I have seen coaches tell player to put left foot on the infield edge of the bag and right towards second.  Others say to put front foot on the infield edge of the bag and back foot on the foul line side of the bag.  It would seem to me that you want to minimize steps to second.  On the other hand, I have heard that the second case helps to prevent umps from calling runners out for leaving the bag before release of the pitch.

Answer
You are exactly correct with the second statement, John.  By straddling the bag, this also helps the runners timing with the pitcher.  Teach them to go when the pitchers stride foot is about to land that will keep them from losing contact with the bag prior to the ball being released.  It also gives them a good push off the bag when starting their acceleration.  This is the style I teach.  

Coach Mike