Game version
Base-path signals: a partner calls “go” or “stay” and you round the bases or hold, smoothly. Swap callers.
Read the Outfielder
Decide whether to take an extra base from where the outfielder fields the ball.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
The coach hits or throws balls to the outfield.
Core: To second. , with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Bases, gloves, softballs, coach
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Base Running
The steps
How it works
- The coach hits or throws balls to the outfield.
- Run from first; look at the outfielder as you reach second.
- Go to third if the outfielder is moving away or behind the ball.
- Do 10 runs.
Coaching point
Glance and decide.
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
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
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free softball week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.