Baseball · Baserunning

Running the bases in order

Young players learn which way to run and how to touch every base: run through first, then round the bases in order with a wide turn, one runner a base behind the next.

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Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
2–12
Age
U5–U9
Area
Infield with four bases
Equipment
4 bases4 batting helmets2 cones

Setup

  1. Set out home, first, second and third at your league's distances (check your league's field dimensions; junior bases are often 50–60 ft apart).
  2. Put a cone in foul ground about two steps past first and one a step outside the line before first, to show where to start the wide turn.
  3. Runners line up behind home, outside the batter's box, wearing helmets.
  4. The coach stands near the pitcher's mound, inside the diamond and away from the base paths.

How it runs

  1. Round 1, run through first: on “Go!”, each runner sprints to first, touches the front of the base and keeps running straight past it, then slows down in foul ground and looks right for the ball.
  2. Round 2, round first: runners start a small curve outwards a few steps before first, touch the inside corner of the base and head for second.
  3. Round 3, all the way: runners touch first, second, third and home in order. The next runner leaves home when the runner ahead reaches first, so they stay a base apart.
  4. The coach calls out each base as the runner touches it; any missed base means going back to touch it.
  5. Two or three runs each round, with a walk back to the line in between.

Coaching points

  • Run in order: first, second, third, home. Turn left every time.
  • Run hard through first; don't jump or slide into it.
  • Start the curve before the base, not on it, so the turn is smooth.
  • Touch the inside corner of each base with whichever foot arrives first; don't stutter.
  • Eyes up: look ahead to the next base and listen for the coach.
  • Helmet on every time a player runs the bases.

Common mistakes

  • Running to third first (turning the wrong way).
  • Slowing down before reaching first base.
  • Jumping onto the base, which can twist an ankle.
  • Cutting across the grass and missing a base.
  • Making a wide loop deep into the outfield after the base.
  • Runners bunching up and catching the runner ahead.

Say it: “Turn left, touch every base.”

Make it harder

  • Race the clock from home to second, then home to home.
  • The coach calls “Stop!” or “Keep going!” as the runner rounds a base, like a base coach in a game.
  • Add a pretend hit: the runner swings a bat in the air, lays it down and then runs.

Make it easier

  • Walk the bases first, saying each one out loud.
  • Put a coloured cone or a picture on each base to follow.
  • Run home to first only until the direction is solid.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.