Starting with the Basics
Base running is a very easy concept to understand but as one continues with their sport it does get very complex. When we were little, all we would do is run as fast as we could to become safe whenever a teammate hit the ball. Today, we do the same thing only, there's a little more to it. When running to a base a player should know that they cannot overrun the base unless the are making an attempt for the base ahead. If it is a close play I would advise that you stay on the base. For softball, you must have one foot on the base until the pitcher releases the ball. When playing baseball, the runner can be completely off the base and the pitcher has not even started his pitch. In 12 and under, for softball, the rule was that the runner had to wait until the ball crossed the plate until they could leave the base. When the players move up the rule changes. Players take leads to get a few extra steps so they are safe when the ball is hit. They also take leads so when they steal they have an extra jump and are ahead of the catcher. Some girls may have aggressive leads or they may just go two or three steps off the bag, either way a lead helps in many ways.
When running the player needs to know what is going on. Players must know at all times the score, the inning, how many outs, and the situation. But it is most important on the bases. If there is less than two outs and you are the runner on second and the batter hits a hard grounder to shortstop or third. The runner on second must take a lead and watch the ball. As soon as the ball is thrown to first, the runner must sprint to third. If there are two outs, then the runners where ever they are and where ever the ball is hit will run no matter what!
There is also a huge difference in base running between the two sports. In baseball, the bases are a lot further apart and the runners cannot always be as aggressive as runners on a softball field. The bases being closer for softball allows the runner to get to her destination quicker. But another big difference is the fact that in baseball, the runner can leave the base before the pitcher gets on the mound. In softball, the runner must have one foot on the bag until the pitcher releases the ball, which leaves them at a disadvantage. So basically the distances between the bases by the time baseball runners take their lead are at the same distance. But, because the bases are closer together softball has more scenarios and situations to cover offensively and defensively.
When running the player needs to know what is going on. Players must know at all times the score, the inning, how many outs, and the situation. But it is most important on the bases. If there is less than two outs and you are the runner on second and the batter hits a hard grounder to shortstop or third. The runner on second must take a lead and watch the ball. As soon as the ball is thrown to first, the runner must sprint to third. If there are two outs, then the runners where ever they are and where ever the ball is hit will run no matter what!
There is also a huge difference in base running between the two sports. In baseball, the bases are a lot further apart and the runners cannot always be as aggressive as runners on a softball field. The bases being closer for softball allows the runner to get to her destination quicker. But another big difference is the fact that in baseball, the runner can leave the base before the pitcher gets on the mound. In softball, the runner must have one foot on the bag until the pitcher releases the ball, which leaves them at a disadvantage. So basically the distances between the bases by the time baseball runners take their lead are at the same distance. But, because the bases are closer together softball has more scenarios and situations to cover offensively and defensively.
http://www.softballperformance.com/10-baserunning-skills-to-practice/