Another base running question

Silver 2200 said:

Scenario...

Runner on first, less than two outs. Sharply hit ground ball to 2nd baseman. Runner on 1st starts running towards 2nd base, then stops and starts going back towards 1st base to avoid being tagged by the 2nd baseman that has the ball, and giving up a easy double play.

Does the runner on first base have to keep forward progress toward 2nd base? Can the runner just stop? Can the runner go back to first to avoid being tagged?

I was under the impression that as soon as the runner on first starts going backwards they are automatically out, and does not have to be tagged by the 2nd baseman. Is that correct, or does she have to be tagged by the 2nd baseman?

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CoachJD said:

So, two things: I'm pretty sure the home-to-first rule doesn't prevent stopping, right? So a runner can stop on a slow roller down the line to force the defense to get her (or throw to first) instead of just running straight into a tag. This could give other base runners the time to advance.

And what is considered retreating? Does a runner have to truly stop and turn around? If a runner stops and takes a little step backward (while still facing 1B) to avoid a fielder/tag, does that count? Is this a subjective call for the umpires or is "retreating" clearly defined as any step backward?

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canyonjoe said:

Just wondering on the home to first rule what the timing has to be.

Say you had bases loaded and there was a hard shot at 1B playing in. If runner Batter runner is slow could she just start heading back home to force a dead ball versus an almost certain DP?

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