Base running relay race

Setup

1. Split into two even teams. Team A lines up behind home plate on the third-base side; team B lines up in the outfield behind second base.
2. Mark each team's waiting spot with a cone, 3–4 m off the base, so waiting players are never in the base path.
3. Use your league's base distance; for 6–7-year-olds, shorten the bases or run half a lap each.
4. The two runners on the move wear helmets with face guards; the helmet is handed on with the high-five if you only have two.

How it runs

1. On “Go!”, the first runner from each team sprints the full way round: team A from home, team B from second. Both run the same way, counter-clockwise, so they never run at each other.
2. Every base must be touched in order. Miss one and go back to touch it.
3. Back at the start, the runner high-fives the next player, who goes. The finished runner jogs to the back of the line.
4. First team with every player back wins. If one runner catches the other, the chasing team scores a bonus point.
5. Run it two or three times, changing the order so different players run against each other.

Coaching points

• Swing out a little before the base (a banana curve) so the turn is tight, not a sharp corner.
• Touch the inside corner of the base and push off it toward the next one.
• Lean in toward the infield as you round the base.
• Eyes on the next base once the turn is made.
• Pump the arms; small quick steps through the turn, long strides on the straight.

Common mistakes

• Running straight at the base and stopping to turn.
• Missing a base or jumping over the corner.
• Sliding into the bases: no sliding in this relay.
• Waiting players drifting into the base path.
• Leaving before the high-five.