Baserunning Drill

Baserunning is extremely important to the game of baseball. It should be practiced every day. How many of us do that? We are more concerned with pitching and hitting and fielding. Here’s a sure fire baserunning drill that takes very little time yet covers most of the fundamentals of running the bases. The players love it and it is a lot of fun. More importantly, you are covering an important aspect of the game of baseball. We ended our practice on a high note when we used this baserunning drill.



Four lines are set up, one at each of the bases. Even up the lines as best as you can. The drill begins with one runner at first, one at second, one at third and finally the starter at home plate.

Home Plate The player at home plate is the starter. He will take an imaginary swing to either left, center or right field. He then proceeds to first base, taking a wide turn as if he hit it to the outfield. He runs as hard as he could and touches the inside of first base and then stutter steps as if the outfielder bobbled the ball. He then runs to second base, taking the extra base on his base hit. After he reaches second base, his job is over. He then goes back to the first base and gets in the line.

First Base The player at first base takes a primary lead. On the swing from the starter, he takes a secondary lead and goes from first to third, touching the inside of second base. He runs as fast as he could and upon reaching third base, his job is completed. He then goes back to second base and gets in line.

Second Base The player at second base takes a primary lead off second base. On the swing from the starter, he takes his secondary lead and goes second to home, touching the inside of third base thereby cutting his turn as much as possible. Upon reaching the plate, his job is over and he then goes back to the line at third base.

Third Base The player at third base takes a short lead at third base. After the swing, he goes back to the base attempting to tag up from third base. He then pauses until the runner from second is close to the bag and then both the second base runner and the third base runner sprint home in a foot race. After crossing home plate the runner from third stays in the line at home plate awaiting his turn.

After each player has completed his turn at each base, the team gathers at home plate for an inside the park home run. Proper turns are stressed at each base.

Four things are going on at once and four new runners start the drill each time. In a matter of minutes you are covering wide turns at first, stutter step, primary leads, secondary leads, going home to second, going first to third, going second to home and tag up plays at third. Its a great drill because so much can be covered in a short time. The drill will reinforce your teachings at each base. Be creative. Use a stop watch and time each group of four. They will have fun and will go all out.

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