BASIC BASE RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS:
​ON CONTACT OUT OF THE BATTER'S BOX
  • Always hustle and run hard out of the box.
  • Take note of where the ball is hit on contact to determine whether to run through or round first base.
  • Be sure to pick up signals from the first base coach.
ON A GROUND BALL OR INFIELD PLAY
  • If the ball is hit on the ground, run as hard as possible on a direct line to first base.
  • Strike the front (side closest to home plate) of the bag with the foot, and continue to run hard through the bag.
  • Once through the bag, break down with fast choppy steps and look right to identify if the ball has been thrown past the first baseman.
  • Safety tip: Do not slide into first base.
ON A BASE HIT
  • Think double once the ball gets through the infield.
  • Make an arc in foul territory and round first by touching the center of the edge facing second base to create a "starter's block" that allows for a push off of the base (same approach for rounding second base on your way to third).
  • Make a determination as to whether you should advance to second base or break down and return to first base - be sure to listen to your first base coach for direction.
ON DECK
  • Take note of how the defense is positioned.
  • The on-deck batter has a responsibility to assist teammates with the decision to come into home plate sliding or standing.
  • The on-deck batter is also responsible for informing the current batter if the third strike is dropped by the catcher.
ON HIT-AND-RUNS
  • On a hit-and-run play, the runner on first base should break as if they are stealing second base.
  • The runner should peek in upon contact so as to be aware of where the ball is hit. If it is a pop-fly, the runner should get back to first base.
IN RUNDOWNS
  • If there are other runners on base, remain hung up as long as possible to allow them to advance to the next base.
  • The runners behind the player in the rundown should move up to the next base, but be ready to go back to their original base if the runner ahead of them comes back to their original base.
  • Force the defense to make as many throws as possible, with the hopes of generating an error.
WHEN TAGGING UP
  • On a fly ball deep into the outfield, tagging up is standard procedure.
  • On more shallow balls, it is a judgment call. The closest base coach should help guide the runners.
  • If it looks like a routine fly ball, stay on the bag, wait for the catch and then tag.
  • If it looks like it might fall for a base hit, go halfway and take off once it falls. If it is caught, the runner will have time to get back to the bag.
ON FIRST BASE
  • While on first, look for signs from the third base coach
  • Keep track of other base runners and the number of outs
  • Take a primary lead of about eight feet off of first base
  • As pitch is delivered, take secondary lead of two or three lateral steps
  • If the pitcher turns to pick off the base runner, the runner should dive or run back to the base
  • Be alert and get back to first after the pitch, or the catcher can pick you off
  • On a fly ball with less than two outs, move halfway towards second and hustle back to first if it is caught
  • On a hit to right field, glance at the third base coach when going from first to third. If hit to left field, take a look and make a decision on your own
  • On double plays, avoid letting the second baseman tag you. Force a throw to second in order to allow the hitter more time to reach first and slide into second base regardless of the situation
ON SECOND BASE
  • Focus on the pitcher without looking at the middle infielders. The coach should watch the middle infielders and warn the runner if they are in danger of being picked off
  • Take a primary lead of about eight feet off of second base
  • As pitch is delivered, take a secondary lead of two or three lateral steps
  • If the pitcher turns to pick off the base runner, the runner should dive or run back to the base
  • The lead can be taken back from the baseline for a better angle on rounding third if the runner is not stealing third base
  • The runner should be more aggressive with their lead at second, but still cautious
  • Plan on scoring on any base hit that is not hit sharply at an outfielder
  • If the runner at second base is the only runner on base:
    • A ball hit to the runner's left should allow them to advance to third
    • A ball hit to the runner's right requires them to wait until it goes through the infield to advance
    • A ball hit right at the runner requires them to make their own decision while avoiding getting hit by the ball at all costs
ON THIRD BASE
  • Take a walking lead of about six feet down the line in foul territory as the ball crosses the plate
  • The runner's right foot should strike the ground as the ball enters the hitting zone
  • Stay in foul territory when taking a lead and head back to third in fair territory to disrupt the catchers attempt to throw a pick off
  • Always be in a position to tag up on fly balls in the outfield
  • Run hard to home plate and slide when necessary
THE "FIGURE FOUR" SLIDE
  • Don't be afraid to get down, go feet first and get an early start
  • While running full speed, drop down landing while folding one leg under the other in a figure four
  • Throw hands up to shoulder level. Do not put hand down to brace yourself to prevent injury
  • Sliding in with the left leg extended makes for optimal positioning to advance to the next base
  • Safety tip: Hesitancy in sliding is what causes injuries
  • Practice tip: The best way to practice sliding is on grass without shoes or with a breakaway bag and sliding mat