Baserunning


- The first rule of baserunning is to NEVER miss a base
- Good baserunners don’t HAVE to be fast, just keep their eyes open and
their heads up
- ALWAYS be ready to “seize the opportunity”
- Smart baserunning wins many games and bad running loses many
- Run out EVERY hit no matter where it goes; NOTHING can be taken for
granted in baseball
- After hitting the ball, break out of the batter’s box three strides
and then quickly find the ball
- if it is fielded, run straight through the base
- if it gets through the infield, swing out of the baseline to get the
angle to cut off of first base for second
- Use each base to push off toward the next base. Hit the bases on the
inside corner with the right foot
- Do NOT take a lead until the pitcher’s foot contacts the pitching rubber
- Do not cross your feet when taking your lead
- Keep your eyes on the pitcher at ALL times
- Take your lead to the outfield side of the baseline
- Your first step on a steal or base hit should be a crossover step (left
over right)
- With zero or two outs do not try to stretch a double into a triple
- When on second base and a grounder is hit to third or shortstop, do
not attempt to advance to third
- When leading off of second, watch the second baseman; the coach will
watch the shortstop
- Take your lead off of third in foul territory; take a short walking
lead; return to the base in fair territory
- Listen to and watch your base coaches
- EVERY ball is a double until the defense dictates otherwise - be AGGRESSIVE
- Baserunning begins in the dugout:
- before the game you should be observing the opponent in their pregame
drills are they left or right handed? speed? quickness? accuracy? footwork?
- watch the catcher for quickness of release, arm strength, accuracy,
footwork
- watch the pitcher warming up for any flaws such as a high leg kick
or slow break of the hands
- When you are on deck, it is your job to help the runner coming to the
plate
- Do not slide into first base (unless to avoid a tag in a bad throw)
as it slows you down and exposes you to unnecessary injury.
- Always know where the ball is
- When in doubt, slide
- Know the situation and anticipate the action. Always check the defense
and know how many outs there are
- Tag up on all foul balls
[Pitcher][Catcher][1st
Base][2nd
Base][3rd
Base][Shortstop]
[Infield][Outfield][Defense][Hitting]
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