Hit, RUN, ScoreOne of the most important parts of the game of either baseball or softball is base running. The runner must be smart while running the bases otherwise hitting a double, laying down a great bunt, hitting a hard grounder in between third and second, or any other hit that is able get you on base has no point. It would also be very hard to score and win games without smart base running. There are many different situations that can be used in either sport to help base running. One would be taking aggressive leads so that you can make something happen. If a base runner on first was taking a lead and the catcher or pitcher decided to throw down to try and get her/him out then there is the possibility of an over-throw or some kind of misunderstanding between the defending team. For example, there could be a situation where there is a runner on third and the batter gets walked they can either continue to walk to second base or steal on the first pitch of the next batter. When walking straight to second the runner must know that their objective is to get in a run down to distract the team long enough for the runner on third can score.. In this situation, the runner must know that they cannot stop moving whether they are running or walking to second, they cannot stop! Unless the pitcher or catcher or who every has the ball is coming at the and are attempting to make a play. This would be a sacrifice play and the runner must remember that whatever he/she does they must keep moving. Another must know technique for base running is that you must slide! Even if there is a force play at second and the batter hits a grounder to third base; the runner slides for 2 reasons. One reason is that when running to a base the runner usually slows down when approaching the base, if the runner slides the do not have to worry about losing any time. The second reason is that they could easily turn and make a double play at first and get both girls out. If the runner slides then the fielder receiving the ball making the throw with have to go around the runner or the runner could simply slide into the base cleats high and distract the fielder.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/sports/baseball/07wbc.html