What's the proper way to tag up?

[Izzy's Dad]

On an infield pop up? Outfield fly?

I am thinking there should be a different way to tag up for each. On an infield pop up the runner should be 10 feet off the bag. That way if caught, they can make it back. And if dropped. they have a good lead to advance.

On an outfield fly, I think they should go back to the bag before caught, so they don't waste time going back, then having to advance. If dropped, they'll have plenty off time anyway.

Your thoughts?

*16U btw.

 

[softballphreak]

On the outfield fly you should take a lead (when there's no chance to tag and go) in case the ball is dropped. Otherwise the runner may be forced out at the next base if they were still on the bag.

Infield should tag up; not much chance to make it to the next base anyway if it is dropped.

 

[druer]

Tagging varies based on where the ball is popped up in the outfield. If it's a foul ball to left or right field they should come back and immediately tag because they can't advance if it's dropped anyway, but more than likely can tag if it's caught and momentum is then carrying the player further away from the throw. If they are on first and it's a popup to shallow right field or center field they might as well keep a lead proportionate to distance because they aren't going to be able to tag if it's caught.

As with any other skill in the game tagging needs to be based on the situation, speed of player and the knowledge of the arm of the outfielder that will be making the catch.

 

[Lozza]

It doesn't really matter whether it's infield or outfield, but whether the batter is forced or not.

On first and second bases, outfield fly about halfway between the two. Infield, 6 steps off. (obviously if batter on first and second for an infield fly, ignore for obvious reasons)

On second when it's not a force, I'd be tagging up. You might have a chance at getting to the next base.

Third ALWAYS tag up. Always.

 

[FPMark]

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding how to play a pop up or fly ball while on base. The first thing to look at is how far the ball will land (caught or not) from the base the runner is on, and the base the runner is trying to get to. Second is the odds of the ball being caught. Third is who is catching it.

Example; Runner on 1st, pop fly down the RF line. Since the ball is close to the base the runner occupies, she has to stay close to the bag so she does not get doubled off if it is caught. As the ball comes down, she should adjust her lead based on whether or not a fielder is getting into position to catch it. If 1st and second baseman as well as RFer are all chasing it, you can get further from the base than if 1st stays at the bag. If the fielders are running full speed to get to it, you can move a little further because the odds are going up that it may hit the ground. The goal is to be able to get back if it is caught, and get to second if it hits the ground. The earlier you can see that it will be, or wont be, caught the earlier you can make the decision to go or get back.

You have to play the odds for the best outcome whether the ball is caught or not. Being thrown out at second because the ball is dropped, is better than being doubled off 1st because you got too far off, so it's better to be cautious.

This is a tough question to answer because it is dependent on the baserunners speed, experience, and gut instinct, as well as where the ball is hit, how high the ball is hit, and fielders ability to make the play.

 

[TNTCoach]

The answer is different for every situation. Let's take the easy one...runner on 3 with less than two outs. If a ball is hit into the air, immediately return to the bag and wait for catch or drop. If it is caught, runner is already on bag and ready for release if by judgement the ball is deep enough to beat throw home. If ball is dropped the runner will have time to score in most instances anyway. One of the most frustrating thing I've seen is a girl takes a lead from 3rd on fly ball into outfield...holds the lead...and then must take the time to return to the base if the ball is caught. That is usually the difference between scoring or not.

Runner on 1st...less than two outs...the lead is determined by where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit into deep left field the runner should advance 2/3 of the way to 2nd base. If the ball is caught there is still time to beat a throw to 1st to prevent a double up. If it is dropped then the runner is far enough down the line to reach 2nd or even three depending on how far the ball gets away from the fielder. If the ball is hit shallower then you take less of a lead to allow time to get back to bag. If ball is hit to center field deep, then runner goes about half way to 2nd. If it is shallow centerfield...the runner goes about 1/3 of the way to 2nd. If it is hit to right field you keep closer to the bag...especially if it is a shallow hit. Hit deep to right field the runner can get down the line a little further. The age level and skill level factor in as well.

I have seen balls hit deep with runners on 1st where the runner does not get far enough up the line that the outfielder can pick up missed ball and still get the force at 2nd because the runner didn't get far enough up the line. Not knowing how to position yourself between the bases on these situations can cause you outs and ultimately runs.

The "10 feet off the bag" leadoff for infield flys baffles me...especially for a 16u. It is almost always best for runners to return to bag immediately on infield pop up to prevent being doubled up. At the 16u level you would have to believe that the skill level would be good enough that 10 feet off the bag on infield fly would get you doubled up almost every time.

What it comes down to is that a runner should advance on a leadoff as far as they can go and still safely return to the bag without jeopardy of being doubled up if the ball is caught. The only exception is a 3rd for outfield flies. I can't think of a single reason not to return to the bag immediately if a ball is judged remotely catchable.

 

[PA SB Dad]

Agree with TNT coach - these are the strategies we teach our players at 12U, and expect them to execute on each and every flyball depending on the base they are occupying and where the ball is hit.

 

[quincy]

This seems too complicated to me. Our Team Rule:

If runner can advance on a tag up, they are on thier base. When the ball is caught they are gone. If they are on the base, and do not run when the ball is caught, they made a mistake. They should have led off, 99% of the time anyways.

If the runner cannot advance if the ball is caught, they should have a leadoff. If it is caught, back to their base. Ball dropped they are gone. If the ball is caught, run back to the base, then take off, they made a mistake. They should have never led off, 99% of the time anyways.

If the runner is off the base they need to stay close enough to their base where if the ball is caught they will not be doubled up. How far this is more controlled by where the ball is hit more then the individual runner.