Softball guide
Softball base running rules, explained
In standard fastpitch rules, runners may not leave a base until the pitcher releases the ball, and they must tag up on caught fly balls. This guide explains the main base running rules and what often changes in youth and slowpitch softball.
The basics of running the bases
Running the bases is the part of softball that rewards thinking as much as speed. A fast runner who does not know the outs can still make a costly mistake, while a smart runner can score from first on a well-placed hit. A run is scored when a runner safely touches first, second, third and home, in that order. A runner is safe while touching a base and may be tagged out when she is off one. A force play, where a fielder with the ball touches the base before the runner arrives, applies when a runner must move up. For the foundations, read softball rules for beginners. Below is how running works, with extra detail for fastpitch.
Leaving the base
Many new parents notice that runners in fastpitch seem to be glued to the base until the pitch. That is intentional. This is the biggest difference from baseball for many parents. In standard fastpitch rules, a runner may not leave her base until the pitcher releases the ball. A runner who leaves early can be called out, or the pitch may be nullified, depending on the rule set. Slowpitch rules often limit leaving even more. Some leagues for younger players limit stealing or running at all, so ask your coach. See also softball vs baseball differences.
Stealing a base
Parents sometimes see a runner take off and wonder what happened. A steal is simply a runner advancing on her own, without a hit, while the pitch is on its way to the catcher. In fastpitch, runners may steal a base by running after the pitcher releases the ball. Stealing is a big part of the game at higher levels. In slowpitch, stealing is usually restricted or not allowed, and in many youth programs it is limited at younger ages. If stealing is allowed, runners do not need to rush. A good steal depends on a good jump, awareness of the catcher and a smart decision about when to go.
Touching bases and running lines
Good base running starts with habits that are easy to teach: touch every base, run hard, and keep your eyes up. Here is what to know:
- Runners must touch each base in order, and a missed base can be appealed by the defense.
- Runners should run in a straight line to first base and run through it without slowing down.
- Many leagues use a double base at first, with an orange or colored portion for the runner and a white portion for the fielder. This reduces collisions. Ask your league whether it uses one.
- A runner who runs well outside the baseline to avoid a tag may be called out.
Tagging up and fly balls
Tagging up is often the first strategy a young player learns after simply running on a hit. The idea is that a caught ball erases the hit, so the runner has to return to where she started before moving on. On a fly ball that is caught, runners must return to and touch the base they were on before advancing. This is called tagging up, and a runner who leaves too soon can be thrown out by a fielder who touches the base. With two outs, runners usually run on contact, since a caught ball ends the inning anyway. Coaches teach this, and young players learn it over time.
The dropped third strike
In standard fastpitch rules, if a catcher drops strike three with first base open (or with two outs), the batter may run toward first, and the defense has to get her out. Many younger programs and recreational leagues change or drop this rule. Ask your coach. For more rules and terms, see softball umpire calls explained and softball terms for new parents.
Sliding and contact
A slide is a way to get to a base quickly while staying low and avoiding a tag. Feet-first slides are the most common in softball, and many leagues teach them with great care, often starting with practice on grass or a slip-and-slide style mat. Sliding is allowed in many leagues, but rules differ on how and when. Some require runners to slide or avoid contact when a play is close. Younger divisions may limit sliding altogether. Contact rules protect fielders and runners. A runner who crashes into a fielder on purpose can be called out and ejected. Ask your coach how your team teaches sliding and what your league allows. Never push a child to slide before she is ready.
Common base-running mistakes
Every young runner makes these errors, and none of them mean she is a bad runner. They are habits that come with experience.
- Leaving the base too early in fastpitch.
- Slowing down before reaching first base.
- Watching the ball instead of the base coach.
- Forgetting to tag up on a fly ball.
- Not knowing the number of outs, and running into an out.
- Running into a tag by guessing instead of looking at the ball and the coach.
- Overrunning second or third base, which is a mistake, since runners can only overrun first base safely and may be tagged out if they stay off the others.
Listening to base coaches. First and third base coaches stand near the bases and tell runners what to do. A coach may say stop, go, slide or hold. Players should listen to the base coach and look at her at the right times, since the runner often cannot see the whole play. For parents, the best thing is to let the coaches coach and cheer for your child to try her best.
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Sources and further reading
- Softball Base Running: The Circle Rule Little League International
- Rule Interpretations for Little League Softball FAQs Little League International
- Game Rules - Softball World Baseball Softball Confederation
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Frequently asked questions
Can you lead off in softball?
In fastpitch, a runner must stay on the base until the pitcher releases the ball. Slowpitch often restricts it even more.
Can you steal in softball?
In fastpitch, yes, after the pitcher releases the ball. In slowpitch and many youth programs, stealing is limited or not allowed.
What does tagging up mean?
On a caught fly ball, a runner must return to touch her base before advancing, or she can be called out on appeal.
What is the dropped third strike rule in softball?
In standard fastpitch rules, if the catcher drops strike three with first base open, or with two outs, the batter may run to first. Many youth leagues change this rule.
Why is there an orange base at first?
Many leagues use a double base so the runner uses the colored part and the fielder uses the white part, reducing collisions. Ask your league whether it is used.