Base Running GENERAL BASE RUNNING RULES 1. Never make the first or third out of an inning at third base 2. Never make the first out of an inning at the plate I. Running to First Base on an Infield Ground Ball A. Run on the right side of the baseline through the bag B. We would like you to hit the front of the bag, but do not chop your steps to do so. C. As you hit the bag, lean forward D. After hitting the bag, break down and look into foul territory E. If the first baseman leaves his feet for a throw you are expected to slide Note: Any movement toward second base is perceived as an attempt to advance II. Running to First Base on a Base Hit A. About 2/3 of the way, circle out in order to round the bag B. Hit the inside of the bag C. Always round the bag hard, with the intent of going for a double 1. If the outfield does not hustle for the ball or bobbles it- GO D. The first base coach only sends you to second on balls hit down the third base line. He will do so by waving his arm (GO), or raising his arm (ROUND IT). As a result, you make the decision whether to go on a ball hit to center or right. To do this, you must take into account: 1. Your Speed 2. The Outfielder’s Arm Strength 3. The Game Situation E. On a base hit to right field, hit the bag and shuffle toward second base III. Leading Off of First Base A. Step behind with the left foot B. Shuffle back, then come up even with the back of the bag (12 Foot Lead) 1. By starting back, you create an optical illusion that you are closer to the bag than you really are. C. Use a One- Way lead versus LH (Coming Back to the Bag) 1. Bigger than usual (15 Foot Lead) so as to draw a pick off throw 2. As the pitcher delivers, your first step is back (jab step) 3. If steal is on, go as soon as he raises his leg Note: Despite our large lead, we cannot get picked off by a step off, flip throw D. Stealing Second Base 1. Stay low and reach with your left hand so as to “Grab the Money” 2. First step is a crossover with your left foot Note: In any steal situation, if you get a bad jump, do not go. E. Secondary Lead First 1. Two hard shuffle steps toward second or third base (“Batwings”) 2. After the pitch, you should be approximately 2/5 of the way to second, so you must hustle back after the pitch, expecting a throw from the catcher. 3. Read the plane of the pitch, If you see that the pitch is going to hit the ground- Extend lead and read! GO if you think you can make it. F. Rounding Second Base 1. Before hitting the bag, you should know if your going to third a. LF- Your decision b. CF and RF – Pick up third base coach G. Leading off Second Base 1. With less than two outs, start back and come up to the line as the pitcher comes set. Walk up at a 45 degree angle to increase your lead a. Keep your feet moving daring him to stop you 2. With two outs stay back a. Gives you a better angle in hitting third and scoring on a hit H. Leading off Third Base 1. Versus the RH in Set a. In foul territory get a big lead (12-15 feet) b. As he commits to the plate begin walking, timing it so that your right foot hits the ground at the same time that the ball reaches the catcher c. Once the ball is caught, pivot on your right foot and come back to fair territory so as to block out a throwing lane 2. On Passed Balls, or Wild Pitches, it is the runners decision whether or not to go 3. Before the pitch, the Third Base Coach will scan the Infield and instruct the runners on which balls he can go on 4. If the Third Base Coach calls “Jet,” the runner at third goes on downward angle I. Tag Plays With Runner on First 1. On most balls go halfway a. The deeper the outfielder goes the further you go from first b. Closer that the outfielder is to the infield, the closer you stay to first 2. On fly balls deep to CF or LF, if the runner ahead of you tags, you must also tag. 3. With runners on first and third with less than two outs a. You must tag on foul pop ups. Great habit to form J. Tag Plays with a Runner at Second 1. Less than two outs, any ball hit to CF or RF, your first movement is back to second 2. On any ball to Left field, your first movement is to go halfway 3. On any obvious foul fall down the RF line, go back to tag 4. When in doubt about being fair or foul, follow the rule on where ball is Hit K. Tag plays with a runner at third 1. On any ball to the outfield with less than two outs, your first movement should be back to the bag 2. In the event of a pop up, hang away from the bag and see what happens 3. On a fly ball, the third base coach will tell you when to go L. Squeeze Plays 1. Break for the plate when his lead foot hits the ground 2. Runners on first or second break like it’s a straight steal from a one way lead M. Rundowns 1. Work to prolong the rundown as long as possible a. May advance another runner b. Increases the chance of an error 2. If a defensive player is in the baseline without the ball, run into him to get an obstruction call. N. Line Drives 1. We cannot afford to be doubled off on a line drive that is caught. As a result, when the ball is hit, your first step is back .