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Tag Up on a Fly Ball

Learn to wait on the base until a fly ball is caught, then run.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Stand on the base, facing the field.

Core: To second. , with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Base, ball, partner
Level · skill
Beginner · Base Running

The steps

How it works

  1. Stand on the base, facing the field.
  2. Your partner tosses a high ball to a helper or catches it themselves.
  3. Leave the base only when the ball touches the glove.
  4. Run 20 feet and walk back; do 10 reps.

Coaching point

Watch the catch, then go.

Safety: Warm up first and rest fully between runs. Stop if a muscle feels tight. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade, and stop if you feel dizzy or get a headache. If you hear thunder, go inside.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Base-path signals: a partner calls “go” or “stay” and you round the bases or hold, smoothly. Swap callers.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (to first), Core (to second), More (to third), with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns.

Story

You are a base runner reading the coach’s signals.

My best

Beat your own count

, with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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