25 Tips for Baserunning

I had a question come in the other day about baserunning. A coach wanted to know if I could share some tips for running bases. I figured that you may want some tips on baserunning too. It can be so much fun when you do it well! Anyway, here are a few things I mentioned:

1. Good baserunning is not only about being fast, being smart is just as important.
2. Touch every base.
3. Always know where the ball is.
4. Tag up on all foul fly balls.
5. When in doubt, hit the deck (slide).
6. Know the situation and anticipate the action.
7. Always check the defense for gaps and position/depth.
8. Know how many outs there are!!!
9. As a batter, run out EVERY hit no matter what. Never assume a ball is foul, a pop fly is caught, or a grounder is a sure out. Always put pressure on the defense by hauling your butt down the line.
10. If a high pop fly is dropped, you, as a batter-runner should be well on your way to 2nd base, or better yet, standing on 2nd base, when the ball drops not scrambling to get to 1st base.
11. When trying to beat out a throw at first, do not look at the ball. Focus on the base and on getting there as quickly as possible. Watching the fielder who it trying to get you out only slows you down.
12. When running through first, step on the outside part of the bag (the side on the foul line).
13. Do not slide or dive into first base (unless to avoid a tag/collision in a bad throw). It slows you down and exposes you to unnecessary injury.
14. Hit the bases on the inside corner with your right foot whenever possible (this is the ideal situation). However, hitting the base with your left foot in stride is better than trying to stutter step so that you can hit the base with your right foot.
15. Explode off the bag when you take your lead. Your first two steps should look the same whether you are taking a lead or stealing.
16. When on second base, ground balls need to be to the right of the short stop (looking at the field from home plate) in order for you to advance automatically. Dont run into an out.
17. Listen to and watch your base coaches, pick up your 3rd base coach 2/3 of the way to 2nd base.
18. When you are on deck, it is your job to help the runner coming to the plate. Make sure the bat is out of the way. Tell them whether they need to slide or if they can stay up. Let them know which side of the plate to slide on.
19. At the end of a play (ball going back to the pitcher) do NOT turn your back to the ball.
20. After any pick-off attempt, check to see if the outfielder was covering.
21. If the catcher comes out from behind the plate, start going back to the base. Don't just sit there and let her shorten the distance.
22. When youre on 3rd base with less than 2 outs, do NOT automatically break home on a ground ball to the left side (3rd baseman or short stop).
23. On a routine fly ball to the outfield with less than 2 outs, stay in an athletic stance. Dont just stand on the base after the catch. Perhaps even make a move off the base so that the outfielder has to make a sharp throw in. If they rush, if they make a mistake, you get the next bag. Dont just stand there in an un-ready position and allow the outfielder to take their time and have an easy throw in.
24. ALWAYS look for opportunities to advance. If you see one start taking it ~ your coach will tell you if they want you to stay. After all, if you think you have a chance to make it to the next base, you certainly have enough time to come back if the coach doesnt agree. If the coach has to tell you to go before you go, youre probably too late. Most times, a base coaches go should only be a confirmation of what you are already doing.
25. Finally: baserunning starts in the dugout!

• Before the observe your opponent in pre-game drills are they left or right handed? Are they quick? Are their throws accurate? Who has a strong arm? Who doesnt? Who sets up their throw from the outfield?
• Watch the catcher for quickness of release, arm strength, accuracy, and footwork.
• Watch the pitcher warming up for any weaknesses or tendancies.
• Check out the back stop. Is it close or far? Is it just fence or is there some other type of material behind the catcher that makes the ball bounce back quickly?

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