Base Running Tips

• General
• Running to First
• Rounding First Base
• Fly Balls/Tagging Up
• Stealing
• Sliding

General

There is a big misconception that you have to be fast to be a good base runner. While it is true that being fast is a tremendous help in base running, you can be a good base runner, with only 'average' speed. Knowing how to run the bases, including sliding and running them smartly can make a runner with average speed a better base runner then a 'fast' runner who runs them incorrectly. It is critical to listen and watch your base coaches, know the situation (outs, other runners, score, etc.)

Running to First

If the batter is using a good balanced swing and follow-through, he should be able to get out of the box in a smooth, quick manner.

• For right handed hitters the first step should be with the back foot (right foot), the opposite for the left handed batter.
• The first three steps should be short and quick.
• On the third or fourth step you may take a very quick peek to see if the ball is in the infield or not. If so, then run in a straight line to first base inside the running lane.
• You want to run through first base, not to first base. Do not slow down until you have crossed the bag.
• You will slow down by chopping your steps and decelerating.
• You will want to look to the right side immediately after touching the bag to see if the ball has got by the first basemen, so that you can advance to second.

Rounding First Base

If on your quick peek you see the ball is through the infield, or if you hit a fly ball, you'll want to take what is called a banana curve approach to first.

• What that means is approximately halfway there you will begin to veer slightly outward and then comeback inward as you approach the bag (like a banana shape).
• You will want to try to hit the inside corner with your foot as you turn towards second.
• As soon as you realize that the ball is out of the infield, you should be thinking double. Make the ball determine if you have to stay at first.
• Most of the time, a double is determined by how the runner goes from home to first instead of first to second.
• And very importantly, listen to your first base coach.

Fly Balls/Tagging Up

• Runners on First:
  On fly balls to right, you want to go about 1/4 of the way to 2B, on fly balls to center, about 1/3 of the way, on fly balls to left, go about 1/2 of the way. You should be under control and watching the ball so that you can quickly turn and get back in the event the catch is made so that you are not doubled up.
• Runners on Second:
  On fly balls that would appear to be catchable, go back to the bag so that you can tag-up. Watch the ball all the way and don't leave too early, or the other team may appeal. On ground balls to the right side, go to third, on ground balls to left side, advance to third on the throw, but make sure he makes the throw first.
• Runners on Third:
  On fly balls, go back to the bag so that you can tag-up. Watch the ball all the way and don't leave early. You generally do not want a large primary lead, but you do want a good secondary lead. Your primary and secondary lead should be taken in foul territory, so that if batted ball should hit you, you would not be out and it would merely be a foul ball. Your secondary lead should be a controlled but fast walking lead and should not stop until you see that the catcher has control of the ball. Do not start heading back to the bag until you see that the catcher has control. If the catcher does have control then quickly turn and head back to the bag in FAIR territory. This will prevent the catcher from getting a direct straight throw to the bag, and may result in the ball deflecting off of the runner, allowing him to advance home. If the ball gets by the catcher, your fast walking lead should allow the runner to advance home most of the time.

Stealing

Upon getting to first, you will quickly want to pick-up your third base coach to see if he is giving you any signs. You will want to listen to your first base coach, and watch your third base coach, while still on the bag. Do not take your lead and then look to the third base coach, or you'll get picked off. Upon getting the steal sign, and the pitcher on the rubber, consider the following:

• Generally you will take a 3 to 3 1/2 step lead.
• Stay low with your hands slightly in out and in front of you.
• If the pitcher quickly throws to first, you'll want to go back to the back corner of the bag, with your face facing outward to protect your face from errant throws as well as to see if the ball were to get by the first basemen.
• Getting a good jump is critical in the success of a steal attempt.
• Once the pitcher has committed to delivering the pitch, by a movement towards home plate, take off by pivoting the right foot and crossing over with the left leg.
• The runner should throw or 'pump' their left arm as they cross over.
• After a couple of steps quickly glance towards home to help determine if you have to stop and return home due to a line drive, pop-up or fly ball, or to not slide and round second instead.

Sliding

Improper sliding can result in injury to the young ball player. It is important to not slide too late (you may jam a leg/ankle) or too early (you may not reach the bag). Most slides, and probably the safest slide is the bent leg or figure 4 slide.

• The key elements to this slide is that one leg is straight and extended to the bag, the other leg is tucked under the straight one, hands up and loosely clenched to avoid injury.
• You will want to start your slide approximately 7-10 feet in front of the bag (depending on speed and height).
• Takeoff from either leg. You will initially land on the bent legs' calf and thigh and your rear end.
• Stay low to the ground and throw your head back slightly to avoid hitting the knees too hard on the ground.
• As your front leg comes into contact with the bag first with your heel up, both legs should bend or give to cushion the slide. It is very important to teach proper sliding as serious knee, ankle and hand injury can occur due to improper sliding.
• You may want to practice on wet grass or use a large piece of cardboard with no shoes first before practicing on the field.