Fielding Drill: Tag Up Drill (Baseball)

Teaches baserunners the proper technique for tagging up on fly balls and advancing to the next base. This drill helps players understand when and how to tag up effectively.

Instructions

Set up a base (second or third base works best). A coach or player stands in the outfield position. The baserunner starts with one foot on the base. When the coach throws the ball in the air to simulate a fly ball, the runner should keep one foot on the base while watching the ball. As soon as the ball is caught, the runner pushes off the base and sprints to the next base. Practice timing the push-off to leave the base the instant the ball is caught. Run multiple repetitions to develop the timing and explosive start needed.

Coaching Points

Keep one foot on the base while watching the ball - never leave early
Get in an athletic stance ready to explode toward the next base
Time the push-off so you leave the instant the ball is caught
Explain that going halfway on fly balls often prevents advancement - commit to tagging