Before kids can read a hit and run multiple bases, they need to run hard from base to base when told. Station to station is the basic version of base running. One whistle, one base.
What you need: A diamond setup with all four bases.
Setup: Three runners, one at each base (first, second, third). Coach at home plate with a whistle.
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Drive, Touch, Brake.
- On the whistle, all three runners advance one base at full speed.
- The runner at third scores. The other two move up.
- Reset. Whistle again. Two more advance.
- Cycle through 5-6 whistles. Rotate runners so everyone runs from each base.
What to watch: Are they hitting the inside corner of the base? Are they touching every base? Some kids will skip a base or run on the outside.
If they’re struggling: Slow it down. Walk through it once. Then jog. Then sprint.
If they’ve got it: Two whistles in a row, fast. Runners advance two bases.