The art of baserunning is very often misunderstood by players and coaches alike. While many people believe that you have to possess blazing speed to become an elite baserunner, the fact is that you can become successful just by using your head. In this guide, we’ll provide baserunning basics that will give any player the confidence needed to make smart decisions on the basepaths.

The number one rule for any baserunner is to always hustle. Whether you hit a weak pop up to the second baseman or you crush the ball off the scoreboard, you should aggressively leave the box on your way to first. You never know when a ball will be mishandled or booted around, and it can create quite an embarrassing situation if you are still standing at home plate because you assumed the ball would be fielded cleanly.

Let’s say that you hit a grounder to the second baseman. You want to first gain momentum out of the batter’s box with a quick first step. Look up once to see where the ball is, and then put your head down and gun it towards first base. Run straight through the bag and then look to see where the ball ended up. If the infielder misfired, you may be able to take an extra base.

If you roped a ground ball through the left side of the infield for a base hit, you will want to round first base as opposed to running through it. In this instance, run a quarter of the way down the line and make your way into foul territory. This will give you the proper angle needed to hit the corner of the bag and make a turn towards second base. Be sure that you know where the ball is, and don’t let yourself get too far off the bag in case the throw comes behind you. If fielded cleanly, retreat back to the bag and prepare to run the bases.

Now that you are on first base, the first thing you will want to do is pick up your third base coach. He will give you the signs that will determine your next move. When the pitcher takes the rubber, it is time for you to take your lead.

When first getting comfortable with baserunning, it is best to keep your leads very short. Nothing can kill a potential big inning quicker than getting picked off. Make sure you keep your eye on the pitcher, and shuffle a few steps off the bag. You need to keep an eye on the4 pitcher’s feet to determine if he is trying to pick you off. Never crossover your legs as you take your lead. This is crucial, because it will take longer to reverse direction if the pitcher attempts to pick you off.

When the ball is hit, it is your responsibility to determine where it is headed. If it is a fly ball or pop-up, you should stay a slight distance off the base in case the ball is dropped. If the ball is caught cleanly, you will then be in position to return to the bag. If the ball is grounded to the infield, it is your job to run as hard as you can to second, and slide in an attempt to break up any double play opportunity. It is recommended that you slide feet first to avoid injury.

However, if the ball gets through the infield and in for a base hit, you will have to determine the amount of bases you can take. On a ball hit to left or center field, you will have the play in front of you and will easily be able to gauge how far you can get (second, third, or home). But if the ball is hit to right field the play will be behind you, and you will need to again pick up your third base coach. He will be able to signal to you whether you should hold at second or keep on coming to third.

The last baserunning basic deals with being at third base. The third base coach will always keep you informed of the situation, but it is also your responsibility to stay alert. The first thing you must do is make sure you lead off in foul territory. This will insure no balls hit in fair territory will hit you. This is painful and more importantly will cause you to be an out. With less than two outs, you may be able to tag up and try for home on a fly ball. Conversely, when there are two outs you will be running on contact, regardless of which base you are on.

These baserunning basics should give you more confidence when you find yourself on the basepaths. By paying attention to the game at all times and employing these tips, you should be able to avoid any dicey situations while helping your team to generate runs.