Baserunning

Baserunning is the act of advancing around the bases in baseball and softball to score runs. It involves all players who reach base and make choices about when to run, when to take a lead, and how aggressively to push for an extra base. The primary objective is to reach home plate before the defense can record an out.

Key actions include taking a lead off a base, attempting to steal a base, and advancing to additional bases on a hit or error. Runners also tag up on a fly ball, trying to advance at the moment the ball is caught, and then rely on the fielder's throw to determine whether they reach the next base safely.

Successful baserunning requires speed, agility, and situational awareness. Runners read the pitcher's move, the catcher’s setup, and the ball's trajectory to judge when to break toward the next base. Proper sliding technique and safe detours around fielders help reduce the risk of being put out or injured.

Rules and outcomes include the requirement to touch each base in order, and the possibility of being tagged out or forced out on a fielder's play. Other scenarios include pickoffs and rundown plays, which can end a runner's attempt. Interference and obstruction calls can also affect baserunning outcomes.

Strategically, baserunning is a key component of offense, influencing run production and game tempo. Teams study baserunning efficiency to assess aggressiveness, save opportunities, and the impact of speed on wins.