Base Running 3: Tips for running to first base
Base running starts the moment you as the hitter make contact with the baseball. This article contains pro tips for successfully running to first base after you hit a ground ball through the infield, meaning more hits for you and more runs for the team.
Base running tips and instruction – Running to first base. Image by Ed Wolfstein.
After Contact
You made contact with the baseball and hit a grounder through the infield. Now what?
Step 1. If a ball is hit on the ground put your head down and run as hard as you can with as much efficiency as possible.
Step 2. After about three steps take a peek to see if the ball went through the infield. If it doesn’t get through, you’re gonna run straight through first base bag. ( If it does get through, you’ll be planning a different route that will take you to 2nd base. More on that below.)
Important Baserunning Tip
Have you ever wondered, “Why are there 2 chalk lines painted in the 1st base line starting halfway from home to 1st and continuing through the 1st base bag?”
The 45 foot line. All baselines from home to first have a rectangular box that extends 3 feet outside the baseline starting halfway down the line and continuing towards first. This is known as the 45 foot line.
What it’s for. The purpose of this line is for the runner to stay in this box when there is a bunt or any play that the ball could interfere with the runner. As long as the runner stays in this box he will be called safe. Getting hit by the baseball outside of this box results in an out.
Stepping on the back part or the side of the bag increases your chance of turning an ankle. Always hit the front part of the bag.
Step 4. After you hit the bag, stop your momentum by chopping your feet as quick as possible and turn your head to the right, just to see if the baseball got past the 1st baseman.
Pro Tip: When coming back to 1st base, always turn to your right and come back, so the umpire never has the thought that you were thinking of going to second base. If he feels you were trying to go just for a split second and you get tagged, you will be called out.
If the ball gets through the infield
If the baseball is through the infield you are going to make a turn towards 2nd.
Running to 2nd, Greg Golson pushes off the inside of the bag to get a straighter path. Image by Frank Lauri.
Start Early. Start this turn early right when you see it went through – don’t wait until you are 20 feet from the bag. Start early and make it a gradual arch.
Use the Base. From this angle you want to hit the inside front part of the bag to push off of and try to get the straightest path possible to second (See image to the right).
Plan Your Path. This is the exact path we want to take on a double or triple. We always want to try to attain the straightest path possible when going into a bag where there could be a potential play. It is the quickest way.
More on Running Bases:
- Baseball running bases 1: Rules of Thumb
- Baseball running bases 2: How to Slide
- Baseball running bases 4: How to Take a Lead at 1st and 2nd Base
- 3 Things to Know before Stealing 2nd Base
About the Author: Doug Bernier
Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 11 years. After hitting .361 with the New York Yankees this 2012 spring training where he relieved Derek Jeter at shortstop, Doug spent the 2012 season with the Yankees’ triple A team. Click here to get personal, one-on-one instruction with Doug Bernier
- More at
Sign up for Monthly Updates
Most Recent Posts
Like us on Facebook
Our Featured Pages
