Runner taking a step backwards on way to 1st Base

[Abrasiveboy]

Not to get off topic but Amy have you ever had a girl try to hit your glove to knock the ball out of it. What about you coaches, have you and what did you do.

I saw that game and the call was right because she took a step back towards home.

 

[coach james]

I watched that game too. She ran slowly at first, but took a step backwards as the tag was being applied. If I'm not mistaken, the umpires missed it and it was a coach that caught it.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Swatting my glove didn't happen. I wear a well worn mitt. It just grabs everything. I don't like a fielder's glove at first base. Probably 90% of the time, my mitt would be inside the baseline a few feet and the runner behind me.

If I field the ball on the line and am "run over" I was taught to roll onto my butt, like in volleyball. I would have both hands on the ball, at that point.

If I am pulled into the path of the runner, near the base, I was taught to let those balls go - to avoid dislocating my shoulder. I mean, if I have to reach across the base path. My right fielder would be backing me up and the runner will only get first base anyway - if I am not obstructing the base.

 

[MTR]

I watched that game too. She ran slowly at first, but took a step backwards as the tag was being applied. If I'm not mistaken, the umpires missed it and it was a coach that caught it.

Then it is not a violation. The violation is if it is done to delay or avoid the tag. If the BR's movement did neither.....

 

[Narcosis]

What if there is a force play at second or third. Ball hit to 4 or 5 and BR stops and backs-up. I've taught dd to just stop, stay still and let player come to her. Have heard other coaches say it's ok to back-up. Wondering what the rule is for all associations but mainly play FED, ASA, USSSA.

 

[BretMan]

What if there is a force play at second or third. Ball hit to 4 or 5 and BR stops and backs-up. I've taught dd to just stop, stay still and let player come to her. Have heard other coaches say it's ok to back-up. Wondering what the rule is for all associations but mainly play FED, ASA, USSSA.

The rule against going "backwards" applies only to a batter-runner and only when in between first and home.

Runners already on base are free to retreat if they chose to and there is no penalty for that.

 

[PA SB Dad]

The rule against going "backwards" applies only to a batter-runner and only when in between first and home.

Runners already on base are free to retreat if they chose to and there is no penalty for that.

This rule is also true for baseball - it is not some strange rule made up for FP softball.

 

[MTR]

The rule against going "backwards" applies only to a batter-runner and only when in between first and home.

What a disappointment. Where else can a batter-runner be located?

 

[BretMan]

What a disappointment. Where else can a batter-runner be located?

Yeah, yeah, yeah....That went through my head when I posted that.

This rule is also true for baseball - it is not some strange rule made up for FP softball.

In baseball, the batter-runner is out only if they retreat all the way back past home plate.

 

[Narcosis]

Thanks for the clarification.