Guide
Baserunning and tagging up in baseball
Tagging up means a runner must touch their base after a fly ball is caught before advancing to the next base. It is one of several baserunning skills that win games, along with running hard through first, reading the ball and knowing the situation. This guide explains each one for new players, parents and coaches.
Why baserunning matters
Baserunning is the part of the game anyone can improve with attention rather than natural talent. Smart running turns singles into extra bases and avoids easy outs. It also costs nothing to practice. Teaching players to run with awareness is one of the best ways to help a team without needing a strong arm or a big swing.
Running to first base
- Run hard on every ball in play, including routine grounders. Fielders make mistakes and a runner hustling can turn an error into a safe play.
- Run through the base, not up to it and then stopping. In standard rules, a batter-runner can overrun first base and return without being tagged out, provided they do not make a move toward second. Running through is faster than slowing down.
- Touch the base with a foot, and in many leagues the colored half of a double base is intended for the runner. Check your league's rules.
- Look to see if the ball got away. If a throw is wild, a runner may be able to continue toward second.
Tagging up on a fly ball
When a fielder catches a fly ball, runners who were on base must return to touch their base before they can move to the next one. If they leave early and the defense appeals, they can be called out. The word for this is tagging up.
- The runner stays close to the base on a fly ball that might be caught, with a foot on or near the bag.
- When the fielder touches the ball for the catch, the runner must have a foot touching the base.
- The runner may then advance at their own risk. A throw may beat them, so judgment matters.
A sacrifice fly is when a batter hits a fly ball that is caught, and a runner tags up from third and scores. It is scored as an out for the batter, but the batter is not charged with an at-bat. See our scorekeeping guide for how it is recorded.
Reading the ball
Where the ball goes decides what a runner does. A few general principles apply.
| Situation | What the runner usually does |
|---|---|
| Ground ball, runner on first | Run to second, since the runner is forced to advance. |
| Ball hit in the air, fewer than two outs | Stay near the base until you see whether it is caught, ready to tag up. |
| Ball clearly going over the fielder's head | Run, since it will probably drop in. |
| Two outs, ball hit in play | Run on contact, since a caught ball ends the inning anyway. |
| Line drive right at an infielder | Freeze or retreat, so you are not doubled off the base. |
| Ball in the dirt, runner on first | Watch for a ball that gets away from the catcher, and run if it does. |
Leads and stealing
A lead is the distance a runner takes off a base as the pitcher delivers. In standard rules, runners may lead off once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand or, depending on the rules, once the pitcher is in the set position. Many youth leagues restrict leading off and stealing at younger levels, and some do not allow them at all. Rules vary by league, so ask yours.
- Where leads are allowed, take a short, balanced lead that allows a quick return.
- Keep eyes on the pitcher, and be ready to return to the base on a pickoff throw.
- A steal happens when a runner advances while the pitcher is delivering, without a hit. A smart steal depends on a good jump, not just speed.
Sliding basics
Sliding is a skill to learn slowly and in a safe spot, such as grass or a slip-and-slide style mat, with a coach teaching it. A feet-first slide is the standard way beginners learn. Leagues have their own rules on sliding and contact, and some teach it only at certain ages. Players should never slide head first unless the league and coach teach it properly, and many youth leagues discourage it. If a player is hurt, remove them from play and let a coach, a doctor or an athletic trainer take a look.
Common baserunning mistakes
- Not running on a ball in play. Always run until the play is dead.
- Leaving early on a fly ball. This can lead to an appeal and an out.
- Watching the ball instead of the base coach. Runners should listen to coaches who can see the whole play.
- Passing a runner ahead. A runner who passes another runner is out in standard rules.
- Running into an out at third. A common saying is not to make the first or last out of an inning at third base.
Know the situation
Strong runners ask three questions before every pitch: how many outs are there, where is the ball likely to go, and what does the score need? With two outs, runners go on contact because a caught ball simply ends the inning. With none or one out, a runner on third might hold on a ground ball hit to the left side but tag and score on a fly ball. Teaching these ideas as short phrases, such as "two outs, run on anything," gives young players a starting point. A runner who knows the situation is more confident and makes fewer mistakes, and that confidence is worth more than raw speed.
Runners should also remember that a runner on second or third may be forced to stay put when the ball is hit in front of them on the ground and a fielder can make a play. Standing on a base is the safest place until the runner is sure.
Base coaches and communication
Base coaches stand near first and third base and give signals and verbal instructions, such as "stop," "go" or "slide." Players should listen even when it is hard to hear, and teach basic words so everyone understands them. Practice baserunning in scrimmage situations. Our practice guide has ideas, and the rules overview covers force outs and tag outs.
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Sources and further reading
- Rule 7.00: The Runner FAQs Little League
- Backyard Tip: Secondary Lead, Base Running Drill Little League
- Tee Ball Drills: Run the Bases Little League
- Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition Major League Baseball
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Frequently asked questions
What does tagging up mean in baseball?
It means a runner must touch their base after a fly ball is caught before advancing. If they leave early, the defense can appeal and get an out.
What is a sacrifice fly?
A fly ball caught by a fielder that lets a runner tag up from third and score. The batter is out but is not charged with an at-bat.
Should kids run through first base?
Yes. In standard rules a batter-runner can overrun first and return without being tagged out, so running through is faster. Ask your league about any local rules.
Can youth players steal bases?
It depends on the league. Many restrict leading off and stealing at younger levels, so check your league's rules.
What is the safest way to slide?
Beginners usually learn a feet-first slide, taught by a coach in a safe spot. Many youth leagues discourage head-first slides, so ask yours.