Email
Print
Running to First Base
Baserunning is an integral part of baseball, often making the difference between winning and losing. Once the hitter puts the ball into play, they become a base runner. This guide breaks down this crucial aspect of the game into key sections, focusing on the best practices from the moment of contact to safely reaching first base.
ℹ️ When running to 1st base:
- It is the runner's responsibility to avoid interfering with the fielders and the ball
- Runners should reach 1b less than 5 seconds from when the ball is put in play
- Runners cannot slide into 1st base but can slide back to 1b
- 1st base and home plate are the 2 bases that can be overrun
Inside the Batter's Box: Drop the Bat
The hitter becomes a runner right out of the batter's box. After making contact, the first action for a hitter is to drop the bat. It's vital to do this carefully; if the umpire perceives the bat as being thrown, it could lead to an out for defensive interference or, in more severe cases, an ejection from the game. To ensure a proper transition from hitter to runner, the batter must drop the bat.
The Running Lane
Once the ball is in play, the path to first base should be within the running lane, which starts halfway up the foul line and extends three feet into foul territory. This lane is the runner's safe passage, minimizing the risk of interference with a fielder making a play on the ball. Runners can avoid being called out for runner interference while staying within 3 feet of the 1st base running lane in foul territory. The runner may exit the running lane to make an attempt to touch first base, to avoid interfering with defensive player attempting to make a play on the baseball or to avoid the baseball.
Glancing at the Ball
As the runner sets off, a quick glance at the ball provides insight into the play's development. This peek should determine whether the ball has passed the infielders, after which the focus shifts to the first base coach or the reaching 1st base as quickly as possible. Constantly watching the ball can lead to veering off course, slowing down, or even missing the base entirely.
Touching the Base
No matter the runner's speed, a runner is not considered safe until they touch 1st base. For younger players, the priority is simple: make contact with the base with any foot, anywhere on the base. Older players, however, should aim to touch the front side of the base using the middle of their lead foot. It's important to note that sliding into first base is not only unnecessary but can lead to being called out. Runners are allowed to slide back to the base when returning to 1st base.
Overrunning First Base
First base, uniquely, allows runners to overrun it. After touching the base, players should make a slight turn towards foul territory to avoid any implication of advancing to second base, which would make them liable to be tagged out. After overrunning, stopping approximately 3-5 steps past the base and looking over the right shoulder for overthrows. This awareness can turn a single into a chance for extra bases. Runners can stop quicker by dropping their torso towards the ground and coming to a stop in an athletic stance.
To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.
Links: