Tagging up in kickball is like that in baseball and is the only legal way to advance a runner when a ball is caught in midair during a game. While the basic rule is simple -- you have to step on the bag as or after the ball is caught before advancing -- there are ways to get an advantage.
Tag Up Timing
While on base during a kickball game, it is important to time your tag up in order to legally advance to the next base after an out. If a ball is kicked into the air and it looks like it will be caught, do not start running. Stand on your bag and wait until the ball is caught. As soon as the ball touches the defender's hands, you are free to run to the next base.
Failure To Tag Up
If you leave your base before the ball is caught, the defender can throw the ball to a defender at your previous base and you can be called out. Depending on the base you are at when the ball is kicked, it is important to always return to your base any time it looks like the ball will be caught. Some runners try to anticipate a dropped ball or safe kick by jumping several feet away from the bag. Despite giving you an advantage when the ball is not caught, this technique is risky when the ball is caught and you might be thrown out.
Tagging Up With Two Outs
Tagging up with two outs is not necessary because the third out will end the inning anyway. As a result, as soon as the ball is kicked in the air with two outs, you should start running to the next base. Any hesitation could result in you getting tagged or thrown out at the next base. While it is not possible to tag up with two outs, staying on the bag for an extra second or two might be necessary if the ball is kicked sharply in your direction.
Tagging Up After Running
If the ball is kicked in the air and you think it is going to land safely or the defender will drop it, chances are you will start running to the next bag. If the ball ends up getting caught, you must run back to the prior base you were at before advancing again. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to tag up on a catch when you are not standing on the bag.
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