Touching Bases – Softball

When running bases, runners must touch each base and must touch them in order. 1st
base is the only base that a runner can overrun; on all other bases, a runner can be
tagged and determined to be “out” if off the base. Runners must remain on base until
the pitches leave the pitcher’s hand.

In the event of a caught fly ball, runners must tag the base they were on before running
to the next subsequent base.

Base runners must run in the order they arrived on base; a runner cannot bypass
another baserunner ahead of them.

While running bases, a runner is deemed “out” if they are tagged by the defense before
arriving at their intended base, or if the ball arrives at 1st base before they do, or if the
runner moves more than 3 feet out of the baseline.

Overrunning first base - When running to first base, a player can overrun first base
and still be safe. They must not make an attempt to run to second. Once they make the
attempt to run to second, they can be tagged upon returning to first base. This is to be
determined by the umpire.

Touching the bases - A player must touch each of the bases. If a base is missed and
the player has to go back to touch a base, the player must touch each of the bases on
the way back as well. So if you missed second and had already touched third, you need
to retouch third on your way back to second base.

Only one runner per base - Two runners may not be on the same base at the same
time. If they are tagged then the lead runner is safe and the other runner is out.

Tagging up - After a ball is caught, the base runner may advance, however, they need
to have contact with their current base after the ball is caught. This is called tagging up
because runners often run back to their base and tag it right when the ball is caught.
Then they take off for the next base. It is often used to score from third base on a pop
up to the outfield. If they score, the hit is called a sacrifice fly and the batter is credited
with an RBI.

Stealing
Americans love their sports and softball is no exception. It's a game for all ages and skill
levels; but like any game, there are rules. Under the Amateur Softball Association rules,
stealing bases depends on the age of the players and whether a team is playing fast
pitch or slow pitch softball.
Kids' Games

Stealing is allowed for fast pitch softball for children ages 10 or under. However, they
are only allowed to steal one base per pitch -- from first and second base -- and if on
third base, the runner is not allowed to steal home, according to the "Coaching Youth
Softball," written by the American Sports Education Program. For slow pitch play in
softball, players 10 or under are not allowed to steal bases. For those who are 12 or
under and 14 or under, stealing bases is allowed in fast pitch play, but not in slow pitch
play.

Slow Pitch

In men and women's open slow pitch softball, stealing bases is allowed, however there
are certain rules to follow when stealing. According to the AZ Softball Umpire Rulebook,
if the pitched ball lands in front of the home plate, or if it hits the runner, it is considered
a dead ball, and the base runner can't steal and must return to his base. If the catcher
catches the ball, or the ball is missed and lands behind the plate, the ball is considered
live and the base can be stolen. Also, with slow pitch softball, base runners can't lead
off and they must wait for the ball to reach the home plate before they attempt to steal
the base.

Fast Pitch

In fast pitch softball, stealing is similar to the slow pitch rules. However, the one big
difference is when the base runner can leave the base, according to the ASA Softball
Rules. With fast pitch, a runner can't lead off or leave the base, but as soon as the ball
is released from the pitcher's hand the runner can attempt to steal a base. Unlike rules
for youths, adults can steal as many bases as they want, including home base. Another
important rule to remember in softball, is that the base runner must be walking toward
their base or standing on the base, once the pitcher has the ball and is standing near
the mound. If a runner is off the base, he can get an automatic out called on him.

Pay Attention

If you're quick, stealing bases can be a great way to advance to the next base. Some
tips you should consider before you decide to steal is to pay attention to the catcher's
throw. If he has a fast, solid throw, the chances of him getting the ball to the base
players will greatly increase. Another tip is to make sure you slide into the base; trying
to stop yourself at such a fast speed will result in over-running the base or injuring
yourself
 Force Out

A force out (aka force play) is made when a baserunner is forced to leave his base
when the batter becomes a baserunner himself, and a fielder successfully tags the next
base before the runner can reach it. No run can score on a play in which the final out of
the inning is recorded on a force out, even if the runner crossed the plate before the
final out was recorded.

A FORCE OUT is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by
reason of the batter becoming a runner. Confusion regarding this play is removed by
remembering that frequently the "force" situation is removed during the play. Example:
Man on first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and batter
runner is out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advancing to second
must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or second, and either of these
runners scored before the tag out at second, the run counts. Had the first baseman
thrown to second and the ball then had been returned to first, the play at second was a
force out, making two outs, and the return throw to first ahead of the runner would have
made three outs. In that case, no run would score.