What to Do When You are the Trailing Base-Runner

What to Do When You are the Trailing Base-Runner

When teaching base-running, many coaches neglect what to do for the trailing base-runner. Most of the attention is given to the lead base-runner, and deservedly so. The lead base-runner is the prioritized base-runner because that base-runner will score first. It is after reading the short book, "Baseball: How to Run Bases" that I had first encountered in-depth information about trailing base-runners. In addition to this, many amateur baseball players aren't aware of what to do as a trailing base-runner. In fact, some amateur players run the bases as if they are the lead runner. There is some merit to this with general base-running rules, but there are some other rules trailing base-runners need to know. 

A basic rule of thumb for any trailing base-runner is to mimic what the lead base-runner does. The reason being is to prevent the trailing runner to lap the lead runner. If the trailing base-runner laps the lead base-runner then when the lead base-runner touches home plate, the run does not count. Having the trailing base-runner mimic the leading base-runner ensures some order for both base-runners and the base coaches.  

 Let's take this a step forward and go through a situation. Base-runners are on second base and first base with 1 out.  Both base-runners must look at the depth of the outfielders and where they are positioned. The base-runners should also look at the infield alignment to become prepared for any possible plays. Both base-runners also need to signal to the third base coach how many outs there are. Now to the situation, a deep fly ball is hit to right center field. The outfielder goes after the baseball in a drifting manner, meaning the outfielder doesn't get behind the baseball to ensure a strong throw to the cutoff man. The outfielder catches the baseball and the runner at third base goes home. Since the outfielder drifted and also has to have more movements to ensure a strong throw, the trailing base-runner will tag up and advance to third. On the other hand, if the outfielder got behind the baseball to ensure a strong throw, then the lead base-runner will tag up to go home, and the trailing base-runner should tag up and watch the throw. If the throw gets away from the catcher, then the trailing base-runner can advance.  

Another example is a base-runner is on second and third base and a ground ball is hit to the third base-short stop hole. The base-runners at third and second base must see the ball through the hole to advance. The ball goes through the hole and both runners can advance. 

As the third base coach there are a few things to do to create order for both base-runners. My high school baseball coach, had one of the simplest ways to communicate to both base-runners. When waving runners home, his right arm (lead arm from the base-runner's perspective) would be the arm the lead runner would pay attention to and his left arm (the behind arm from the base-runner's perspective) would be the arm the trailing runner would pay attention to. I have never seen another coach do this when coaching in the third base box, but as a base-runner this ensured that I did not have to worry about the lead runner when Coach Pritchard had showed us what to look for when on the bases. 

Being the trailing base-runner is more complicated when examined than looking at with a glance. There are several things to keep in mind. As a base-runner remember to mimic what the lead base-runner is doing. In addition to this, the trailing base-runner needs to remember the basic base-running rules for each base and to be cognizant of the alignment and positioning of all opposing defenders and be prepared for multiple plays. As coaches, think about using both arms to communicate to your base-runners so that they do not have any confusion on the bases. Remember, base-running well may not win you a game, but base-running poorly WILL lose you a game.