Base Running: Round the Bag Relay

A baseball and softball base running drill where students learn to run through first, swing out wide to round a base, and step on the inside corner of the bag. It ends with a team relay. Students practice speed, turning technique, and injury prevention.

How to play

1. Set up three diamonds with bases 50 ft apart and form three teams of 8-9 lined up behind home (2 min).
2. Single: on the call 'Single!', the runner leaves home, runs straight through first while looking right, and walks back. Two reps each (3 min).
3. Double: about 13 ft before first, swing out in a small banana curve, touch the inside corner of the bag with either foot, and head to second (3 min).
4. Triple and home run: link the curves at each base, keeping the body leaning in (3 min).
5. Final relay: the teacher calls a random hit and the first runner in each line runs it; back at home, they high-five the next runner. Time 2 rounds per team (6 min).
6. Afterward, each team discusses which base was hardest to round and why (1 min).

Rules

• Safety: when running through first, keep going straight; don't stop on top of the bag.
• Only one runner per team may be on the diamond at a time.
• Missing a base adds a 3-second penalty.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student runs a smaller inner diamond or serves as timer and base judge.
• Hearing impairment: show the type of hit by holding up one to four fingers.
• Fitness level: tired students alternate one run with one turn as judge.

Learning goals

• Run through first and round the bases with an efficient curve.
• Touch the inside corner of the bag without losing speed.
• Prevent ankle injuries by planting the foot safely on the bag.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bases: 12
• cones: 9
• stopwatch: 3

Teacher tip

If the bases slide, use flat discs or chalk bases to avoid falls. The classic mistake is a square turn at the bag, so draw the curve on the ground.

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