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Base Running & Base Stealing

SLVLL AA · SLVLL draft placement; not a fixed national AA age band · 46-foot pitching distance · 60-foot bases

Stay within this runner rule

It is before the AA midseason stealing start. You are on first before a pitch.

Which statement is correct?

Coaching Points

Repeat the national timing and the applicable local conditions separately.

Common Mistakes

The AA midseason condition does not change Rule 7.13 into permission for an early lead.

Alternative Considerations

The umpire handles an actual early-departure play under the rule; a quiz does not replace that decision.

Rules/safety: leads (national-rule) local-steal (local-adopted-option)

Read a permitted advance

After the AA midseason start, you are on third as a pitch gets past the catcher without being hit.

What is the correct training decision?

Coaching Points

The AA runner on third scores only on a batted ball or the stated bases-loaded player-pitch hit-batter provision.

Common Mistakes

Do not convert an unrestricted-lead drill into a Minor first-move cue.

Alternative Considerations

Practice at a jog with clear stop and return signals.

Rules/safety: leads (national-rule) local-steal (local-adopted-option)

Check the next movement

After midseason, an AA runner legally steals second and the catcher's throw gets away.

Which response is correct?

Coaching Points

Separate a steal overthrow from the AA batted-ball overthrow provision.

Common Mistakes

Similar words can describe different play conditions.

Alternative Considerations

Have the runner name the original play before discussing an overthrow.

Rules/safety: leads (national-rule) local-steal (local-adopted-option)

Read an actual catch

An AA fair pop-up is caught. AA does not use an infield-fly call, but an actual catch still matters.

What still matters to a runner?

Coaching Points

Watch the catch and use the base coach's agreed signal.

Common Mistakes

The local AA infield-fly exception does not erase the effect of a caught ball.

Alternative Considerations

Walk through the dropped version separately instead of treating it as the caught version.

Rules/safety: fly (local-adopted-option)

Read the coach on a batted ball

On a batted-ball base-running rehearsal, find the coach early, touch the base and stay aware of the ball.

What should the rep include?

Coaching Points

Start at a jog and add speed only after the signal is understood.

Common Mistakes

AA has infield-possession and batted-ball overthrow limits; a send signal cannot override them.

Alternative Considerations

The coach adjusts the drill to field conditions and player readiness.

Rules/safety: local-stoppage (local-adopted-option)

Return under control

After a legally timed movement, you need to return to your base. The coach teaches a controlled return without contact.

What should the practice prioritize?

Coaching Points

Local instructions distinguish advancing from returning for head-first sliding; permission does not require a dive.

Common Mistakes

There is no universal must-slide rule.

Alternative Considerations

Begin without a live tag and follow the adult's conservative technique.

Rules/safety: slides (local-adopted-option) leads (national-rule)