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Run Through First Base

BaserunningFull field8 minAges 6-81-8 playersIntensity: normalPitch Smart OKAdult supervision

Hit a wiffle ball off a tee, sprint, and run THROUGH first base.

Your job today

Hit the ball, drop the bat (don’t throw it!), and sprint. Run RIGHT THROUGH first base — don’t slow down or jump on it.

What good looks like: Full speed across the bag, then slow down after. Hit the front edge of the base.

Why it matters: Running through first means you beat more throws. Slowing down early is how runners get out by a step.

How it works

Beginner baserunning station from Baseball BC 8U. Player hits a wiffle ball (tee or soft toss), drops the bat safely, sprints, and runs through first base without slowing down, then breaks down. Progresses to rounding first and advancing base to base.

Reps / rounds
5-8 runs
Rest between sets
30s
Space needed
infield
Coaches
1-2

Equipment

  • tee
  • foam or plastic bat
  • wiffle balls
  • bases

If you don't have it

  • No bases? Use drop-down bases or cones (moves to Full field).

Setup

  1. Tee at home plate
  2. Mark a safe bat-drop zone
  3. Coach near first base

Run the drill

  1. Hit the wiffle ball off the tee
  2. Drop the bat in the zone
  3. Sprint and run through first base
  4. Break down after the bag

Coaching cues

  • Drop the bat, don’t throw it
  • Run THROUGH the bag, don’t jump
  • Hit the front of the base

Common mistakes

  • Slowing down at first
  • Jumping onto the base
  • Throwing the bat

Scoring

Track (none).

Adjust it

Make it easier

  • easier: no bat — start at home and run

Make it harder

  • intro: run through first only
  • intermediate: round first and stop at second
  • advanced: continue base to base to home

Variations

  • Base race: Two players race around the bases with a hand-off

Safety

  • bat safety zone
  • STOP_ON_PAIN: Distinguish acceptable muscle soreness from joint pain or severe muscle ache. Any pain, pop, or possible injury must be reported to a parent, coach, or trusted adult, and the activity stopped immediately. Any sign of illness or injury must be evaluated before returning.

Source

Author: platform · Status: Reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-03