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     Base runners don't come easy when you're playing a good team.  And, of course, not every runner becomes a run.  Sometimes runners need to work together to score.  Defensive players have 3 opportunities for an error every play they try to make, including pick off moves.  Errors can occur whenever they attempt to catch the ball, throw it or receive it.  Your job as a base runner is to make them hurry every step.  Make them nervous with your hustle.  Many times a shortstop may know she has an easy play to get you at first, but if she sees you are hustling, she worries more about her throw and increases her chance to commit an error. 

To First - Right out of the box you should be thinking 2 bases, even if you flub a dribbler to the first baseman.  She will be much more likely to make a mistake if she sees you steam rolling toward her.  

Infield hit - Always look at your first base coach as you tear down the line.  He will tell you when the ball goes through and you should round the bag or go to second.  If you get the green light to second, start your banana turn early, touch the inside corner of first with your left foot, sprint to second and look for your third base coach on the way.  If the first base coach signals for you to round the bag but stay at first, the ball probably went to the outfield, but a second base is unlikely.  To do this you still take a banana turn at first, then round the bag after touching it, and look for the ball to determine if you can safely draw a throw.  Do not be thrown out or get into a rundown, unless the coach signals for it to score a runner on third.  Most often when the ball is hit to the infield, you'll be running hard through first.  Race the throw to the finish line, and remember you still win if the first baseman misses the ball because she took her eye off of it to see what's coming so hard and fast at her left.  Run through the base, and look to your right for an overthrow.  Don't wait for your first base coach to tell you to run to second, but listen for him to bring you back.  Be smart in any attempt toward second after you overrun the bag.  Remember, if you make a move to second, even if you're still in foul territory, you can be tagged out.

Outfield hit - Always run hard to first, even if it's a routine fly ball.  Don't waste your team's time feeling bad about your at bat; wait till it's actually over, on your own time.  If she drops the ball, you may get the green light to second so be half way there in your mind.  Usually you know when you hit the ball whether it's an easy single or a possible double, but run to first as if it could be a triple and it could be.  Take a banana route about half way down the line, tag the inside corner of the bag with your left foot, and either round the base or tear to second.  Be prepared to slide.  Remember to look at your third base coach and listen for your first base coach on your way to second. 

To Second - As a runner you need to check the defense.  That is, how are they playing this situation?  Are the corners in?  The whole infield?  Does the outfield seem to know your batter?  If the right fielder is hugging the line and there's a line drive to her usual spot, you have a much better chance of scoring a run if you knew that before the pitch.  Of course two more pair of your eyes are in the heads of your base coaches.  Use them.  

Taking a lead - Make sure the pitcher has the ball before you step off the base.  Imagine the embarrassment of being caught by the old hidden-ball play.  You want to face the pitcher as you take your lead, and lead to 1 step past a dive length away from the bag.  Don't come off too far too early or she might pick you off.  Remember the primary purpose of a lead is to be closer to second when your batter makes contact with the ball, not to make the pitcher throw the ball away so you get second.  You should already have the sign from your third base coach.  If the steal or hit and run is on, it's important for you to get a good lead and a good jump.  Shuffle sideways away from the bag without crossing your feet so you won't be off balance if she tries to send you back to the bench early.  Stay loose with your weight evenly balanced on the balls of your feet.  Until she commits to the plate be ready to dive or run back to the bag.  When you see her commit, that's the time to either tear to second or shuffle out a few more sideways steps.  Remember, the catcher usually has a good arm and can also pick you off if you are not paying attention or get too far away from the base.  Stay alert and know your limitations.  Listen to your first base coach.

On the hit (infield) - You run hard on any ball hit on the ground.  Period.  It doesn't matter how many outs, how many other runners are on, whether it's fair or foul, whether the catcher interfered with the swing.  Nothing stops you from running to second.  Watch for the grounders on your side of the infield.  Make sure you don't let the ball hit you.  Make the infielders nervous with your hustle.  If they get you at second, try to break up the double play without obstructing it.  That's something that should be practiced.  There's a right way and a wrong way to break up the DP.  Knowing the difference can help you win games.  Always watch your third base coach before every pitch for a steal, fake steal, bunt, fake bunt, hit and run, whatever sign.  Each one affects you and your actions.  (outfield) - When it's a fly ball to the outfield you want to move toward second, depending on where in the outfield the ball is hit.  If it's in right, you turn to watch and move about one third of the way to second.  In center, go about half way there.  When it's hit to left you go 3/4ths of the way, always ready to run back to first if the ball is caught.  If you know, or your coaches inform you, that the ball is hit in the gap, you're thinking home and looking for signals from your third base coach as you round second.

On the steal - Study the pitcher from the dugout even before you get to the plate.  Now, when you're on first, you have a better view of what you already suspect are her weak points for stealing, the opening in her mechanics.  Take advantage of your knowledge to get an early jump on the steal.  Certainly your first base coach has seen many pitches from here, so use his knowledge too.  Coaches will always share this information between innings.  Listen and learn.  When you commit to the steal, steal.  Always watch your third base coach before every pitch.  Know your team's signals.  If you have to ask, ask before you need to know.  Remember that a left-handed pitcher has a strong advantage to pick you off.  Respect it.

To Third - On second you're in scoring position.  Be smart.  Be alert.  Don't wait for your base coaches to tell you the obvious, but depend on them to correct your judgment.  That is, if you see the pitch is going in the dirt and past the catcher, for example, don't wait to be told to tear off to third, but be ready to about-face if your coach tells you the catcher made an amazing stop.

On the hit (infield) - On a ground ball to the right side, you should make it to third if you go at the crack of the bat.  On a ground ball to the pitcher, make sure she throws the ball to first before you make your move to third.  You should be far enough off the bag to get a good jump to third, but not so far as to be picked off or get caught in a rundown.  Remember you're not forced to third if there is no runner on first.  On a grounder to the left side, make her throw the ball to first before attempting to go to third, and again be sure not to get picked off.  (outfield) - On fly balls that will obviously be caught go back to second to tag up.  If you're unsure if the ball will be caught, you need to be far enough off the bag so that you can score if the ball falls in for a hit, but not so far off the bag that they can double you off if the ball is caught.  Watch and listen to your base coaches.

On the steal - It's harder to steal third because a right-handed catcher has a shorter distance to make an easier throw.  The closer to home you get, the harder it is to steal on a right-handed pitcher.  If you do steal third, it's likely you'll need to slide.  Please do not slide head first.  The chance of injury is far too great for your team to take, regardless of your willingness to take it for the team.

To Home - Whenever you're a runner on third, remember to stay in foul territory when you take a lead.  This way if you're hit by a batted ball, you're not out -- at least as far as game outs are concerned.  When you go back to the bag, move in fair territory.

On the hit - Anything on the ground, unless you are forced to run because bases are loaded, you are on a wait-and-see pattern.  You could draw a throw by the infield, but don't be picked off.  A runner on third is 3/4ths of a run, but it won't count until you safely cross the plate.  When there's less than 2 outs and a fly ball that looks like it might be caught is hit to the outfield, stand with your foot on the bag.  As soon as the outfielder catches it, take off.  Be very careful not to leave too early.  Not only would you nullify the run, but you would be called out on appeal.  

On the steal - What are your chance here?  I've seen this done, but it's obviously too risky.  If you're going to "steal" home, it's likely to be because of a passed ball or wild pitch.  Be ready for either.  Again, take a lead in foul territory.  When the pitcher is committed to the pitch, you could start toward the plate a few more feet, and be ready to run fast if you see the ball going by the catcher.  Know your limitations and the strengths of their catcher.  It would be a shame to be picked off when you have a hitter at the plate.  Remember also that a right-handed pitcher now has the same advantage to pick you off that the left-hander had when you were on first.

 

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