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