Baseball Basics: Baserunning

In baseball, baserunning is the most important fundamental needed once the ball is in play. This is the act of running around the bases when your team is at bat. This is a tactical part of the game, as smart baserunning can lead to much higher odds of scoring runs. A player will become a baserunning if different events happen. If he hits a fair ball, walks, is hit by a pitch, is interfered with, or reaches base safely for any other reason, he is considered a baserunner. This is the official terminology used from the time the ball is in play until the end of the play. The end of the play will result in the baserunner reaching a base safely or being out. If a runner is touching a base, they can't be tagged out.

A baserunner can attempt to advance bases during anytime the ball is alive. However, he must be smart in the way he goes about this. He may attempt to get a wide lead off the base, so if the ball is hit, he will already be a greater distance off the base. However, the team on defense can attempt to 'pick' them off.

A big aspect of baserunning is stealing bases. This occurs when a player advances bases when the ball has not been hit. This can be done while a pitcher throws a ball. A player must have a good lead-off in order to maximize the chance. They must also have a great running ability. If the ball is not directly caught by the catcher and may take some time for him to retrieve it, a player may consider running to the next base.

Because of the dimensions of a baseball field, a player must recognize where the ball is and where they wish to get at. They may perform some moves, too. Hesitation moves may be done to throw off the defense. However, if the defensive player has control of the ball and the offensive player may be in trouble. Another aspect of baserunning is tagging a base and running to the next one after a fly ball has been caught. This can be risky because it challenges the outfielder's arm.

One very common strategy is called a hit and run. This happens when the runner begins running and the hitter makes contact with the ball. Therefore, the runner can't get thrown out when they are running to the next base. Another strategy for baserunning is a squeeze play. This happens when a player from third base begins running home during an at bat. Then, the player at home makes contact with the ball, with the runner crossing the plate only a second afterwards.

Wikipedia, baserunning