BASE RUNNING Between Home & First Beginning players will usually not know to to first base when the ball is . Have players line up at home plate. One at a time swing a bat and drop it safely as if a hit. They then become a runner and run to first base watching the . If signaled to run to second base they round the bag and go to second. With each practice add something new.

This is a great tool to teach:  running through the base rounding a base tagging the inside corner of the base watching and listening to the base coach

Race the Clock Using a stopwatch, time how fast each player can run from home to first base, home to second base, home to third base or all the way around the bases. Have base coaches directing and cheering them on.

Relay Races Split the team in half, with one group of players behind home plate and other half behind second base. Give the first player in each group a ball (this will be the "baton" for the relay race). At "GO!" the first player from each team begins running the bases with ball in hand. After making a complete lap around the bases (back to each kid's starting point), that player hands the ball off to the next player in line, who continues the relay race. First group of players to finish the race wins.

Remembering Positions Line your team up on the first base side of home plate for a base -running drill. Before each player runs, ask them where a different base or field position is located. For example, ask the player "where is center field"? After a correct answer, or a simple point of the finger toward center field, the player can run the bases. Let each player have one or more turns. This will help them remember where all positions are located and will help later when positioning your players for games. They think running bases is fun.

In baseball, base running is the act of running around the bases performed by members of the team .

In general, base running is a tactical part of the game with the goal of eventually reaching home to score a run. The goal of is generally to produce base runners, or help move base runners along. Runners on second or third base are considered to be in since a normal hit, even a , will often score them. Part of the goal of a runner and a batter is to get the runner into scoring position. Running the bases

Pick-off attempt on runner (in red) at first base

A runner who is touching a base which he is entitled to occupy may not be tagged . Runners may attempt to advance from base to base on any that touches the ground. When a ball is hit in the air (i.e., a fly ball) and caught by the defending team, runners must return and touch the base they occupy—called tagging up—after the ball is first touched by a fielder. Once they do this, they may attempt to advance at their own risk. On a ball that touches the ground in fair territory, if there is a force, runners are required to run.

Base runners may attempt to advance at any time while the ball is alive, even before or while the is throwing a . The —or pitcher, in lieu of delivering the pitch—often tries to prevent this by throwing the ball to one of the in order to tag the runner. This pick-off attempt is usually unsuccessful in tagging out the runner but is effective in keeping the runner to the base. If the runner is tagged out while diving back to the base, it is called a . If the runner attempts to advance to the next base but is tagged out before reaching it safely, he is . A successful attempt by the runner is called a . If a pitch gets away from the catcher, runners may also try to advance. This may be a , if the pitcher is held responsible for the ball getting away, or a if the catcher is deemed to be at fault. Sometimes the defending team will ignore a runner who is trying to steal a base; in this case a runner is not credited with a steal, and the base is attributed to defensive indifference.

4 of the Best Base Running Drills

1

0

To be a well-rounded baseball player, you must develop and practice your base running skills. As my Guide To Base Running Strategy states, because rounding the bags happens almost every play, it is critical to allot time each practice to base running. To be a talented base runner, you must first recognize when the makes a mistake, then be able to capitalize on the opportunity. Develop your team's base running skills with the following four drills. Each base running drill can be practiced individually, in small groups, or as a team—to incorporate a unified base running mentality. Base Running Drills

1. Ground Ball Reads

Anytime a player can eliminate the need for a sacrifice to preserve an out, it's a huge advantage for the offense. Consider the benefit for your team if you habitually advanced from first base to third through a of steals.

The Drill: The drill begins with a runner at first, taking a conservative lead. The coach feeds himself the ball and hits it toward centerfield. When the coach feeds himself the ball—the toss serves as the pitch—the runner takes a secondary lead. Once the ball is hit, the runner reacts to the ball by sprinting to second base, while keeping his eye on the ball and the fielder. Before arriving at second base, the runner should have already made a decision on whether to advance to third.

As a rule of thumb, continue to third base if you reach second before the has the ball. Keep in mind: it's far easier to slam on the brakes than turn on the jets. If the fielder has the ball, simply round the bag and watch the throw, ready to take advantage of a throwing .

2. Dirtball Reads

When a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, take advantage of the opportunity by stealing an extra base. If a ball skips away from the catcher, runners must take advantage of the situation by advancing. The trouble lies with in-between balls, those that stray out of the batter's box but not out of the dirt circle. This is where a little anticipation comes in handy. Know the , the situation, where the other runners are and what they may be thinking. If it's a count (0-2, 1-2, even 1-1), expect a ball in the dirt and take an extra step toward the next base.

The Drill: This drill should be performed with a loaded and any number of runner combinations. The runners should start at any base in the infield. The coach short hops the ball to home plate, so the catcher, forced to block the ball, allows the runners time to read the situation and quickly decide whether to advance to the next base. The coach should keep the runners honest by mixing in strikes.

3. Tennis Ball Drop

Obviously, there is no better way to improve your stealing skills than to face a pitcher practicing his pickoff moves. However, this opportunity isn't always available. When a pitcher isn't available, use the Tennis Ball Drop drill to improve your reaction time. (For more drills to improve reaction time, head to: Reaction Time With Longhorn Baseball.)

The Drill: With a player on the pitcher's mound holding a tennis ball, the runner takes a first base. The player releases the tennis ball, triggering the runner's break for second base. Whether the runner runs the full distance to second base, the first ten feet, or halfway, it doesn't matter, since the first few steps are most important. The player on the mound should vary his release time to eliminate any chance for the runner to time up the pitch.

4. Resistance Steal Breaks

When it comes to stealing, your first step is your most important. This drill can be done with a tennis ball, a live pitcher or verbal signals.

The Drill: The runner starts by taking a normal lead off first base. Instead of balancing his weight on both feet equally, the runner should exaggerate his lean toward second base by placing more weight on his right foot. A partner standing to the right of the runner place his hands on the runner's forward leaning (right ) shoulder. The runner should feel somewhat unbalanced. Once in this position, the partner lets go, then pushes the runner forward, propelling him into a sprint. This forces the runner to run fast enough to keep his balance. (Check out 5 Tips on How to Run Faster.) This drill makes the runner explode out of the gate toward second base. Again, the distance you run can vary between the first ten feet to the entire distance. Just make sure to concentrate on a good start.

Baseball Base running Drills http://www.qcbaseball.com/drills/baserunning-drills.aspx

Drill: No Defense

Purpose: This drill allows players to work on many different base running situations. It is also a good conditioning drill.

Equipment: Bat and ; Helmets

Setup: Start with runners on first and second and one player in the batters box. Have all other runners in a line behind home.

Have a coach in the third base box and another coach out in front of home with a bat and baseballs.

Execution: Coach will hit a ball to any part of the field. All ground balls will be considered to be through for a base hit. All fly balls will be considered singles also.

All baserunners will behave as if there is a defense.

Hitter will run hard through first base on a ground ball He will round the base on a ball hit in the air to the . Either way he stays at first base.

Runner at first will run hard strait into second on a ground ball to the infield. Runner will pick up the third base coach on any ball hit to the outfield. The third base coach will then instruct the runner to either stay at second or proceed to third. runner at second will go straight into third on a ground ball. On a fly ball he will round third and pick up the third base coach to determine whether he will score or not.

Runner at third will tag on a fly ball and run when the ball hits the ground. If there is no runner on second, the third base coach can give the runner instructions on what to do on a ground ball. "Score on all balls except back to the pitcher".

Keep it moving. Players need to quickly analyze the situation and be ready to move.

Drill: Relay Race

Purpose: This is a good conditioning drill and helps players work on making good turns when taking extra bases.

Equipment: 2 baseballs

Setup: Split your team into 2 equal squads. Have half the team at home and half at second.

Execution: Have the first player in line start with the ball in his hand.

On your signal each team will start running around the bases. After each player runs around the bases, he will hand the ball to the next player. First team to get all players completely around wins.

To add a level of difficulty and decision making, use tennis balls and let the players throw the ball to the next player anytime after he has rounded the last base.

Drill: Pitch Trajectory

Purpose: Develop base runners ability to read the trajectory of the pitch to determine if it will hit the dirt. Allow the defense to work on defense in the same situations. Equipment: Baseballs, in gear, batting helmets

Setup: Have a complete infield including a couple of catchers in gear. Coach will pitch. Have the rest of the team with helmets on to run the bases. You don't need a hitter.

Execution: Vary the situation by changing how many runners on base. Start with a runner on first, then first and second, first and third, finally bases loaded.

Coach will throw pitches to the catcher. Every few pitches he will throw one in the dirt.

Each runner should be watching the delivery of the pitch and try to read the trajectory to determine if the pitch will be in the dirt. If the runners read that the ball will be in the dirt, he should be more aggressive taking his secondary lead anticipating that he can advance to the next base on a passed or blocked ball.

With a runner on first only, have the runners steal when they determine the ball will be in the dirt. If they read it correctly, it should be an easy steal even if the ball is blocked and/or caught on the bounce by the catcher.

When on 2nd and 3rd the runners will be aggressive in taking the secondary lead and determine if they should go or stay. The goal is for runners to get used to reading the pitch and avoiding the hesitation that often happens when a pitch bounces in the dirt.

Defensively this drill gives catchers practice at blocking pitches in the dirt with game situations. Encourage the catchers to throw the ball when runners get too far off. This is a chance for them to learn when to throw the ball and when to run someone back. It also benefits the runners as they learn how far they can get off and how to get back quickly.

Youth Coaches Note: In youth leagues where there is no leading off, this drill can still be useful in helping players get a better jump and can help defensively as well. Often young players are not prepared for the ball thrown in the dirt even though it happens many times a game. Have an assistant coach watch the runners for hesitation as they leave the base.

Drill: Delayed Steal

Purpose: Develop base runners ability to master the timing required to perform a delayed steal.

Equipment: Baseballs, catchers in gear, batting helmets Setup: Have a complete infield including a couple of catchers in gear. Coach or any pitcher can pitch. Have the rest of the team with helmets on to run the bases. You don't need a hitter.

Execution: In this drill have three lines at first base with the first runner at first and the other two lines spaced out slightly behind. See graphic below.

If you are not familar with coaching a delayed steal, please see our Delayed Steal Instruction page.

Runners will take their normal lead off first base. As the pitcher begins their delivery the runner will take their normal secondary lead. The goal is to make everything look like a normal secondary lead. Often players will alert the opposing team by being much more agressive then normal on the secondary lead. It should look the same. This is a timing play that you'll call based on watching the opposing team. So you don't want the player to alert the team that they are running by being more aggressive than normal.

After the pitch crosses home plate the player will take one more shuffle step and then take off for second base. So the timing is to give the catcher and other players a split second to start doing what they normally do (not paying attention) before taking of.

Having the three lines of players go at once is good reinforcement for the players and for the coach that the timing is correct. They should be finishing their secondary lead at the same time and going at the same time.

After the players run to second, have them stay there and when the entire team is there perform the same drill from second base.

For Little League this drill needs to be modified as you don't want it to look like a straight steal. Normally there is something the team is doing after the ball is caught by the catcher and that is what you're taking advantage of. Going too soon will take away that advantage.

Try setting up the scenerios described in the Delayed Steal Instruction page. So if a catcher drops to his knees to toss the ball back to the pitcher, the timing should be when he starts dropping to his knees. Or if he frames the pitch and stares at his glove the timing would be to take off right when he starts framing the pitch. If the infielders are the key, then it may take a second or two before the runner should go. In this way the delayed steal in Little League is more difficult than at other levels, but it can still be effective based on the situation. For this reason you may not want to try this until they get to the minor or major level.

Drill: Shallow Fly Balls

Purpose: Working on tagging up and coming off the third base on shallow fly balls

Equipment: Baseballs, batting helmets and a fungo

Setup: Have a catcher, 2 third basemen, 2 and 2 left fielders, rest of the team should have helmets.

Execution: Have a line of runners at third base. Hit soft line drive and fly balls into shallow left field. The runner at third base should move back to tag as he reads the fly ball of the bat. He should then try to determine whether the fly ball will be caught and whether he should stay on the base or come off and move down the line.

Have the next fielders and runner ready to jump in after each play to keep the drill moving along.

Coaching Note: This is one of the most difficult base running situations, so try not to stop the drill each time and critique each decision. The more reps the baserunners get in the more they will get the idea.

This drill also gives and infielders an opportunity to work on calling for a fly ball and being called off by another player.

Drill: First Base Pickoffs

Purpose: Allow to work on pickoff moves to first and runners to work on reading the pitchers moves and getting a good jump.

Equipment: Four baseballs, helmets for baserunners.

Setup: Have four pitchers on the mound, each facing a base. Have a player acting as a at every base and a runner leading off each base. Each pitcher has a different home plate and first base.

Execution: Coach stays on the mound in the middle of all the pitchers. He will tell the pitchers to either pickoff the runner or simulate a throw home.

Runners will always be trying to steal the base and get a good jump.

Older players can make the throw home, but the simulated throw home for younger players prevents two balls being thrown to the same base.

Four Base – A Full Team Base Running Drill

Here is a fun and competitive full team drill that is excellent for teaching aggressive base running, which does not come naturally to young players. There is no better drill to teach your players to round the bases, which puts them in position to take an extra base when the opportunity presents itself. This is also great drill to finish a practice – your players wont be able to wait for next time! Best of all this drill works even on those early spring days when the infield is too soft for a scrimmage. I will even do this inside on a gym floor during winter conditioning or when rain prevents outdoor practice. Setup In the outfield grass, throw down four heavy rubber bases 30 feet apart in a square, and designate a base as home plate. Split up into evenly matched teams of four. Team 1 puts defensive players with a glove at each base. Team 2 puts offensive base runners WITH HELMETS at first, second, and third base. Team 3 puts players with gloves well behind each base to back up passed balls. Place base coaches in their boxes at first and third (a good spot for the extra player from Team 2), while an adult coach serves as calling and out as each play occurs. Any additional players or coaches should grab a glove and help backup a base. CRITICAL: DO THIS DRILL ONLY WITH A SAFE-T-SOFT (RIF 1) BALL to reduce the chance of injury. When setting up indoors, use duct tape to secure the bases to the floor.

Rules The object of the game is for the offense to try to score five runs before the defense gets five outs. Runs are scored by the offense each time the base runner that STARTED AT FIRST BASE crosses home plate (call them the “scoring runner”). Outs are achieved by tagging any runner while off base.

Play is started by tossing the ball to the defensive player at home plate, who must then make a throw to another base once the coach/umpire calls “PLAY BALL”. Base runners are allowed to lead off, which is the situation in youth league games any time the ball is in play. Runners are also allowed to run THROUGH first and home. Following an out, the runner is allowed to remain on the closest base to where the out was made. Outs made on the scoring runner at home plate do not count as a run.

Backups are not allowed to make outs, only retrieve passed balls and throw to a base. The umpire loudly calls “SAFE” or “OUT” on each play, announcing the score on every time it changes. Coaches and umpires can call “TIME” to instruct or otherwise stop play. Coaches may put a limit on extra bases after an overthrow if the situation calls for it.

When one team wins, rotate backups become basemen, basemen become runners, and runners become backups. Due to more accurate throws and catches, advanced or teenage teams must allow the offense to score a run for EVERY runner that crosses the plate.

Offensive Strategy Base runners want to draw the throw by leading off their base as far as possible, while maintaining a balanced athletic position to get back to the base if needed (diving back to a base is legal and encouraged). The base runner furthest from the ball is able to take the biggest lead. The key to the offensive game is for trailing runners to “dare the throw” in order to take the focus off the lead runner so they can advance and score.

Runners must decide to either return to their base or take off on the throw, trying to gain the next base. Runners must OR AVOID if there is going to be a play at the base (otherwise by they are called out). The base coaches directions are essential as runners heading for a base usually cannot see the ball coming. Base coaches call and signal either “DOWN DOWN DOWN” (if there is to be a play at the base), “ROUND AND LOOK” (if they want the base runner to round the base then look for the ball before advancing), or “GO GO GO” (if they should take the next base without delay).

If there is no throw to the base, runners (especially trailing runners) should round their bases aggressively, taking as big a lead as possible towards the next base and once again trying to draw a throw to the base behind them. Lead runners should be more conservative (since they are closer to scoring) and let the trailing runners sacrifice themselves if necessary in order to trade an out for a run.

Inexperienced runners typically slow down and stay too close to a base they have already gained, so I find it takes constant prodding by the base coach to take an effective lead towards the next base.

There is a lot of sliding in this drill. Sliding is a skill that needs to be taught through repetition as doing it properly (and safely) does not come naturally to most youth players. It pays to have worked specifically on sliding before attempting this drill.

Defensive Strategy In order to get the upper hand, the defense must remain focused on preventing the lead runner from advancing to home. Smart trailing runners will take large or even huge leads to draw the throw behind them or otherwise distract the defense, allowing the lead runner a good chance to score. Smart defensive players may pretend to be distracted but are ready to throw home when the runner at third breaks.

Basemen must position themselves to make the well inside the baselines to avoid obstructing base runners. This can take a lot of reminding as most players seem to act as if their leg is stuck to the base. Both thrower and receiver need to be on the same side of the baseline, creating a throwing lane. Advise defensive players if they want the ball thrown to them they must appear ready to catch the ball by having their hands up. Throws must be accurate and catches made, as passed balls result in every base runner taking extra bases while the ball is retrieved. Target basemen can help by squaring themselves to the thrower, in an athletic position that will allow them to get to an offline throw.

Basemen must concentrate on making first, then make the tag on the incoming runner. Show basemen how to straddle the base once they have caught the ball to safely make the tag as the base runner slides in between their legs.

Backups are key in this drill, but must constantly be moving if they are to be in position to successfully back up a missed catch. Most young players underestimate how far back they need to be to field a passed ball. Emphasize that backups can make game saving plays if they are ready, and praise their efforts whenever possible. Being a good backup takes a lot of hustle. Make sure defensive players know the easiest and most reliable way to freeze a runner in their tracks is to run at them with the ball. Teach players who have a base runner in a rundown to force them back to the previous base, rather than chasing them to the next. Youth players seem to think the more throws the better in a rundown situation, but every exchange increases the risk of a dropped ball. Encourage your players to throw only once or twice if possible. Let them know that forcing a runner back to the previous base is a successful outcome for a rundown play.

Have Fun This drill takes some repetition for players to figure out, but once they get it your players will ask for this drill again and again. Strategically, aggressive base running gives teams a way to make the most of their on-base opportunities. Runners learn that they can actually put pressure on the defense by forcing them to decide between getting the out or giving up a run. Even if you don’t favor aggressive base running for your team, this drill will prepare them to deal with any team that does.

Basic Baserunning Drills

When you start your practices for the season, new teams need to run through basic base running drills. You may have beginners on your team or players who have not been thoroughly coached in all aspects of base running. These drills can be accomplished quickly with players doing them one after another and can also be a good change of pace in between drills or at the end of practice. Running through first base

The most basic of all drills for beginners is to run all the way through first base. You will want to set up a cone 5-10 feet past first base or have a coach stand there and high-five the player once they’ve gone far enough through first base.

Once players have accomplished that, you may also want to add in breaking down and looking for an overthrow.

Stopping on second base

The ability to overrun first base sometimes confuses players and they think they can also overrun second base. The next drill would be running as fast as you can and stopping on the bag at second base.

Scoring from second base

If you’re doing these drills sequentially you can now have players practice rounding third and sprinting through Home plate. You can use cones to help them understand how to take a banana turn through third-base as opposed to trying to run it at a 90° angle.

Rounding first base

Rounding first base involves veering into foul territory to get a good round going and touching the inside corner of first base. You can draw a line in the dirt for rounding when the ball is in right field or centerfield and a further line in the dirt for when the ball is in left field or left- center. You will also want to cover picking up the ball, advancing on a bobble by the fielder and returning to first base.

Fun baserunning drills

Finish off the instructional drills with some fun drills.

Baserunning relay

Line up half of your players at second base and the other half at home. Have two players go head to head on a two base race and watch to see which player wins. You can work towards a championship by eliminating the players who lose.

Speed

Have all of your players lineup near home. Have the first player fake swing and run through first. When he returns to first base have the second player fake swing and the player on first advances to second. Players continue advancing base to base until they score. They can then join the back of the line until it’s their turn again.