Which way should you chase a runner in a rundown?

Back toward the base they came from. If the tag misses or the throw gets away, the runner ends up where they started, not a base ahead.

How many throws should a rundown take?

Ideally one. Run hard at the runner with the ball held up; when your teammate at the base yells "Now!", make one firm, chest-high throw for the tag. Fake throws fool your own teammate more than the runner.

What is obstruction in a rundown?

A fielder standing in the runner's path without the ball. After you throw, get out of the running lane, or the umpire can award the runner the next base.

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How to Run a Rundown in Youth Baseball and Softball

How to get the out when a runner is caught between bases: run them back toward the base they came from, keep the ball up, make one throw, and get out of the lane. With who backs up.

4 min read · September 25, 2026

A runner is caught between bases. The defense has them trapped, and all it has to do is tag them. Then three throws later, the ball is rolling toward the fence and the runner is standing on third.

Rundowns go wrong when they turn into a game of catch. The fix is a few simple rules every infielder can learn.

The rules

Run them back. Chase the runner toward the base they came from. If anything goes wrong, they're back where they started, not a base ahead.
Ball up. Hold the ball up by your ear where your teammate can see it, and run hard at the runner. Make them commit.
One throw. The fielder at the base steps up toward the runner with their glove up and yells "Now!" when the runner is close. One firm, chest-high throw, and the tag.
No fakes. Fake throws fool your own teammate more than the runner.
Get out of the lane. After you throw, step out of the base path. A fielder in the runner's way without the ball is obstruction, and the runner gets the base.

Watch this play
Caught between 1st and 2nd: the shortstop drives the runner back to 1st, and the first baseman steps up for one throw and the tag.

Who backs up

Two players back up every rundown, one behind each base, in case the ball gets away or the runner turns around. On a rundown between third and home, the pitcher backs up home and the shortstop backs up third.

Watch this play
Caught between 3rd and home: the catcher drives the runner back to 3rd. The pitcher backs up home and the shortstop backs up 3rd.

Practicing it

Rundowns are easy to drill: two fielders, one runner, two bases. Have the fielders say "Now!" out loud every time, and count the throws. Two throws is good. One is great.

Quick answers

Which way should you chase a runner in a rundown?: Back toward the base they came from. If the tag misses or the throw gets away, the runner ends up where they started, not a base ahead.
How many throws should a rundown take?: Ideally one. Run hard at the runner with the ball held up; when your teammate at the base yells "Now!", make one firm, chest-high throw for the tag. Fake throws fool your own teammate more than the runner.
What is obstruction in a rundown?: A fielder standing in the runner's path without the ball. After you throw, get out of the running lane, or the umpire can award the runner the next base.