Base running is a valuable skill for players of all ages and abilities, and proper base running technique is essential for maximizing your teams scoring potential. While your base running strategy may change from inning to inning, there are some base running footwork fundamentals that rarely change. Knowing these may make the difference at a critical moment for you and your team.
First Base
When approaching first base, runners should be moving at full speed with the intention of running through the base as it if were the finish line in a race. When rounding the base to get to second base, runners should touch the inside corner of first base with their inside leg in order to get to second base as quickly as possible.
Second Base
A runner should touch the inside left corner of second base with their inside foot when running toward third base. If a player is standing on second base with another batter up, the player on second base should be touching the base with their inside leg if they are not going to take a lead toward third base. When running toward second base, it is important to remember that a player cannot run through the base like first base. For this reason, many players choose to slide when there is going to be a close play at second base. The angle at which you slide will depend on where the ball is coming from and where the second baseman is positioned. In general, you want to make the play as difficult for the second baseman as possible, sliding away from where they will likely catch the ball.
Third Base
When approaching third base from second base, players should touch the base with the foot farthest away from the third baseman if there is going to be a close play. In most cases, you will want to slide with your inside toward the part of the base closest to home plate in those situations. If there is no play at third base, the player should touch the base with their inside foot toward the part of the base closest to home plate if they are going to attempt to round third base. Like second base, you cannot run through third base and must stop while touching the base to avoid being tagged out.
Home Plate
What foot you touch home plate with is of little importance if there is no play at the plate. However, if there is going to be a close play, you want to touch the base with the foot farthest away from where the catcher will get the ball. For example, if the throw is coming from right field, you will want to touch the plate with your inside foot on the far right side of home plate. In general, you should try to make the play as difficult for the catcher as possible and some quick thinking on your part may be necessary.
References
- Coach Jim's Baserunning Tips and Drills
- "One on One Baseball: The Fundamentals of the Game and How to Keep It Simple for Easy Instruction"; Dom Scala; 2009
- QCBaseball.com: Baserunning
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