Look back

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May 1, 2018
659
63
So long time baseball coach and first year 10u coach. Played my first tourney were Look Back Rule came into play. Can someone give me a quick tutorial on this? Any tips for this?
 
May 4, 2016
70
18
East Coast
Short version: Once the ball is in pitcher's circle, runners must immediately commit to a base. Base can be forwards or backwards, just no standing there or "dancing".
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Short version: Once the ball is in pitcher's circle, runners must immediately commit to a base. Base can be forwards or backwards, just no standing there or "dancing".

This ^^^

For instructing young players...As soon as the ball is in the circle, you need to get to a base immediately and stay there until the next pitch is released. No goofing off. No trying to draw a throw. No changing your mind about which base. Get to the closest base right now.

For you...Research the look-back rule until you understand it. It's important and it's not going away. Also, parents will have questions. ;)
 
When you think you understand it, it can get tricky like with a base on balls and batter never stops and jogs to second if there’s a runner on third. Runner on 3rd has to stay on bag if pitcher has ball in circle. However batter can continue to second as long as she doesn’t stop. Once the runner stops she has to immediately go to a base forward or back without hesitation. If the pitcher makes an attempt on the runner then the runner on 3rd is allowed to leave base. However if pitcher still has ball in circle must return or advance immediately without hesitation. Gets tricky in 10 u good luck finding an ump that understands the rule
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
My 8 year old DD is a sometimes hesitant baserunner. If I am watching her game, I tend to close my eyes when she rounds a base :rolleyes:
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
10u is probably not jumping out of 8' circle but she is allowed to. Circle is only for LBR.

We kept 8 and 10 U in circle, 12 U moved around a little bit.

(By way if P fakes a throw the whole thing starts over)
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
My 8 year old DD is a sometimes hesitant baserunner. If I am watching her game, I tend to close my eyes when she rounds a base :rolleyes:

DD is slow but makes quick desisions, seems to even out.

Coaches do not yellll at her if she makes a mistake, which happens occasionally.
 
Last edited:
Apr 23, 2018
4
1
Georgia
Short version: Once the ball is in pitcher's circle, runners must immediately commit to a base. Base can be forwards or backwards, just no standing there or "dancing".

Additional clarification of the pitcher has to have control of the ball in the circle.

We teach our girls to keep their lead until the pitcher catches the ball. If they dart back before hand, we've missed an opportunity if the throw back is errant or if the catcher is lazy and has a slow toss back, we've generally taken the next base. But, as soon as the ball is caught, they are immediately sprinting back to the base.
 

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