Base Running Basics: Teaching 5-Year-Olds to Run Bases in T-Ball

Learning how to run the bases is an exciting and important part of playing T-Ball. As a coach, you want to teach 5-year-olds the basics of base running in a fun and engaging way that sets them up for success on the field. With some simple drills and tips on base running fundamentals, you can help your young players build confidence and learn proper technique for running the bases.

The key to teaching 5-year-olds how to run the bases is breaking it down into small, manageable steps through repetition and positive reinforcement.

Know Your Base Running Goals

Before you start working on base running with your T-Ball team, it’s helpful to establish some goals for what you want your 5-year-old players to learn. Some good goals include:

Learning how to run through first base
Understanding when to stop at each base
Developing coordination for starting, stopping, and changing direction
Building awareness of where the ball is on the field
Gaining confidence running the bases
Having fun!

Keeping these goals in mind will help you plan effective drills and give your players positive feedback on the skills that matter most for their age and ability level. The priority at this age is helping them get comfortable running the bases while learning basic fundamentals.

Break It Down into Small Steps

For 5-year-olds, base running can seem like a complex skill with a lot to remember. That’s why it’s important to break it down into simple steps and work on one skill at a time. Start with the basics:

How to Run Through First Base

Run straight through the base, not on top of it.
Keep your eyes forward, not down.
Maintain a normal running pace.
After passing the base, start to slow down and look for the first base coach’s signals.

How to Round the Bases

When approaching second or third base, run towards the outside corner of the base.
As you get close to the base, bend your path slightly inward to round the base.
Keep your momentum moving forward through the base.
After rounding the base, look up for the base coach’s signs.

How to Stop at the Bases

As you get close to the base, chop your steps and drop into an athletic position.
Place one foot on top of the base, bending your knee to stop your momentum.
Keep your other foot planted on the ground near the base for balance.
Stay low and stopped on the base until the next play develops.

Breaking down stopping, starting, and changing direction into individual steps will help young players gradually get comfortable with the motions of base running.

Repetition Through Fun Drills

Repetition is key when teaching 5-year-olds new skills. But straight sprints around the bases can get repetitive and boring. Keep them engaged with fun drills like:

Base Running Relays

Break players into teams at each base. On “go” the first runners race to the next base, high-five the next teammate, and go to the back of their team line. First team to finish relay wins!

Freeze Tag Base Running

Just like freeze tag, have a parent or coach act as the “tagger” to freeze runners between bases. Frozen players must stand in place until tagged again to be freed.

Red Light, Green Light

Players line up to sprint to the next base whenever you yell “Green light!” Have them freeze on “Red light!” to practice stopping skills.

Base Running Obstacle Courses

Set up cones, hula hoops, and fake rocks. Players must dodge obstacles while running the bases.

Keeping drills lively and game-like will hold kids’ interest longer and get them more repetitions running the bases correctly.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

At this young age, focus feedback on the positive things each player is doing well to build their confidence. Praise quick reactions, hustle, stopping on the base, and good form. Give high-fives and cheers when they round the bases and score. Validate their effort and enjoyment of the game above results. Building up their base running abilities takes time and patience. Keep it fun and celebratory!

Make Sure Kids Know the Rules

While teaching the mechanics of base running, also explain the basic rules around running the bases:

What the base coaches signs mean
How many bases to take on a single, double, triple
When you can run on a hit or need to wait
What to do if the ball gets overthrown
When it’s time to stop on a base or run home

Use examples and game simulations to reinforce the rules. Check for understanding by asking questions. Keep it simple at first – extensive rules knowledge will come with time.

Using Visual Aids and Demonstrations

Visual learning is extremely important for 5-year-olds who are just starting to understand the game of baseball. As a coach, using visual aids and demonstrations can really help cement base running concepts. Here are some great visual teaching tools:

Base Path Model – Use chalk, tape, or paint to draw a large model of the baseball diamond on the field. Walk through each base, demonstrating proper turns and stops. Have kids trace the paths with you. Put cones at each base to reinforce stopping points. Let them run the model basepaths themselves, giving feedback.
Video Examples – Use short highlight clips from MLB or youth baseball games to show excellent base running form. Pause to point out key tips. Draw their attention to footwork, arm pump, and base rounding.
Photos – Print out photos of players properly running through first base, rounding second base, stopping at third base, and sliding home. Hold them up and talk through proper mechanics.
Hand Signals – Demonstrate the safe, out, double, and stop signs base coaches use. Quiz kids to see if they understand what each signal means before letting them run bases.
Exaggerated Motions – Overemphasize proper base running motions like driving your knees high, pumping arms, and chopping steps to stop. Make it silly so kids remember. Do slow-motion demos.
Role Playing – Act out scenarios with kids where you are the base coach and have them react to your signs. Or have them coach you around the bases.

Using engaging visual aids, whether simple or high-tech, taps into how 5-year-old kids learn best. Seeing proper form in action will help cement base running concepts.

Making Drills Interactive

In addition to visual learning, 5-year-olds respond well to interactive drills that get them actively involved. Here are some ways to make base running drills engaging:

obstacle courses – Set up a zig-zag path with cones for them to run through, simulating real obstacles on the field. Time them and challenge them to improve.
varied movement – Have them run, skip, gallop, shuffle, and hop between bases, working on coordinating motions.
fun “gear” – Give them silly props to wear or carry as they run like pool noodles, capes, wrist bands, or flags to make drills more playful.
team relays – Split into teams and take turns relay racing around the bases. See which team can finish first.
fitness challenges – Challenge them to sprint a certain number of bases then do jumping jacks, push ups, or stretching before running again.
follow the leader – Have one kid lead the others around the bases demonstrating proper form for everyone else to mimic. Switch leaders.
shadow running – Partner players up. Have one child run the bases a few paces ahead, while their partner follows their lead and “runs in their shadow.”

Keeping kids active, team oriented, and entertained will result in better focus on developing good base running habits. Interactive drills feel more like recess games than skill work.

Managing Base Running Anxiety

Some 5-year-olds may feel nervous or anxious about running the bases, especially with other kids watching. A few tips to ease their worries:

Give them time – Let anxious kids first watch others run the bases a few times before taking a turn themselves so they know what to expect. Don’t force them to go first.
Use buddies – Pair them up with a friend or helpful teammate who can run the bases with them. Side-by-side peer support can boost confidence.
Ask what would help – Check in with the child to see what would make them feel more comfortable. Maybe they’d like a hand to hold or a high five. Follow their lead.
Offer Assistance – If needed, walk beside younger kids their first few times running the bases, giving tips and encouragement. Lend a hand if they need stabilizing.
Celebrate small wins – Praise every step forward, no matter how small. Avoid criticism. Focus on each improvement to build self-assurance.
Keep it fun – If they associate base running only with pressure, they may resist. Maintain a lighthearted attitude, and don’t over-drill skills.
Go at their pace – Allow anxious kids to progress more slowly, only advancing skills when they show readiness. Be patient and understanding.

Keep the focus on making base running a positive experience to build kids’ confidence over time. With your help, their nerves will turn into eager excitement!

Teaching Sliding Safety

Once 5-year-olds have the basics of running bases down, some may be ready to learn how to safely slide into bases. Here are some coaching tips on introducing sliding:

Focus on safety – Only teach sliding once kids have body control and balance needed. Don’t rush into it. Proper form prevents injuries.
Do “safe feet first” slides – For young kids’ first slides, teach them to go in feet first, keeping their arms up to avoid jamming fingers. No headfirst slides yet.
Use sliding pads – Have new sliders wear sliding pads on their legs, pants and elbows to prevent scrapes as they learn.
Go slow – Start by having them go into home plate on their belly, under control and slowly at first. No diving.
Sand is better – If possible, practice initial slides on a soft surface like the edge of a sand playground instead of hard ground.
No forced slides – Let each child decide when they are ready to try sliding. Never make them slide into a base before they’re fully comfortable.
Coach the steps – Break down sliding into steps like getting low, tucking chin, extending legs, leaning back, and pushing off with bent arms.
Practice parts separately – Have them work on squat position, extending and dragging legs, and leaning back before putting the full slide together.
Be spotters – When ready to slide on a base, have coaches positioned to gently stop overeager sliders from overrunning into danger.
Praise progress – Whatever their sliding ability, commend kids for effort and continued skill development to keep them motivated.

With patient instruction, kids who are ready can safely learn to slide just like the big leaguers! But remember – safety first, sliding second.

Teaching Kids to Watch the Ball

One of the biggest keys to good base running is teaching young players to keep their eye on the ball. But with so much going on in a T-ball game, it can be tough for 5-year-olds to remember to look for the ball after hitting it or running between bases. Here are some tips:

I’ll never forget my student Jason at my first T-ball practice. After hitting the ball off the tee, he immediately sprinted towards third base with his head down, not realizing the ball had only gone a few feet. I gently stopped him and said, “Remember Jason, you have to watch the ball after you hit, so you know where to run.” It was a lightbulb moment for him!

From then on at practices, I made it a point to remind all the kids, “Eyes on the ball!” It became our team mantra. When hitting, I had parents call out “Watch it!” to cue kids to turn their heads to see the ball’s path. While running bases, I’d yell, “Find the ball!” as a reminder before sending them from one base to the next to check the fielders.

Use visual cues too. I spray painted big eyes on the backstop for batters to stare at to reinforce keeping their eye on the ball. You can get creative with eye-catching reminders.

It also helps to demonstrate proper eyes-up form yourself. Exaggerate turning your head and making eye contact with the ball off the bat and looking for it again after touching bases. The kids really lock in when you show them the right way.

Like any new skill, it takes real consistency and repetition for a 5-year-old to remember to find the ball every time. But it becomes a natural habit faster than you think. Nothing beats the thrill of watching them put it all together and use their eyes to determine when to run and when to stop. The smiles on their faces say it all!

Learning from Mistakes

It’s inevitable that 5-year-olds will make many mistakes learning to run the bases. When miscues happen, it’s important not to criticize or correct too harshly. Instead, I coach kids to treat mistakes as opportunities to improve.

I’ll never forget the time my student Joey was rounding second base and stopped to chat with his buddy on first. By the time he realized the coach was yelling at him to run home, the play at third was already over.

I could tell Joey felt bad about his lapse in focus, so at our next practice I said, “Hey Joey, remember what happened last game at second base? Let’s go practice that situation to get it right.”

We walked through the scenario, talking through when to focus on running hard and when it was okay to relax and look to the coaches. I threw in some silly chatter to make Joey laugh and feel at ease again. We gave him a do-over, and he nailed it.

Kids forget, get distracted, lose focus – it’s normal. Don’t dwell on errors. Turn them into opportunities to re-teach the right way in a positive spirit. And never forget to laugh off mistakes so kids don’t fear messing up. The biggest lesson they can learn is how to dust themselves off and keep trying.

Making Pickles

Of all the youth baseball drills for teaching base running, the “pickle” drill is one of my long-time favorites. Not only is it fun and active, but it forces kids to practice their base running instincts.

For this drill, you need at least three players – a base runner and two “taggers.” The runner starts between the taggers, who stand about 30 feet apart. On the coach’s signal, the taggers try to tag the runner out, while the runner attempts to keep avoiding tags by quickly changing direction and running back and forth. It looks just like a pickle!

I’ll never forget the first time I ran the pickle drill with 5-year-olds. At first it was chaos, with the runner unsure which way to turn and the taggers crashing into each other. But after a few hilarious minutes, the kids started getting into a groove with the rapid decision making.

I kept the drill light by letting each kid have a turn being the pickle and calling out funny encouraging phrases like “Make them dizzy!” or “Pickle power!” Seeing them figure out how to juke and fake out the taggers was priceless.

The pickle drill activates quick reflexes, stops and starts, and fundamental base running strategy in a high-energy game. The kids can’t get enough of it, and it sticks with them. When a real pickle situation arises in a game, they’ll know just what “pickles” to use!

Wind Sprints for Speed

Raw speed is crucial for successful base running. For 5-year-olds, I like to incorporate simple wind sprints and relay races into practices to help them build up speed and stamina.

We start with basic 10-yard sprints, where I tell them “Run as fast as you can to the finish!” Then we expand to longer 25-yard wind sprints between imaginary bases. I advise them to focus on pumping arms and driving knees to gain momentum.

To make it fun, I break out my colorful flag collection and have runners hold a different flag for each sprint. Or we pretend to be airplanes zooming around the field. Laughter and playful context is key.

I’ll never forget the day Heather finished her first ever full sprint from home to first without stopping, waving her flag proudly. Just weeks before, she could barely make it halfway. We all cheered her on, and I made sure to high five her progress.

With consistent encouragement through simple wind sprints, 5-year-olds build the cardio fitness and leg strength crucial for base running. Keep it short, festive and focused on individual growth, and they’ll surprise you with their growing speed and endurance.

Final Thoughts on Teaching 5-Year-Olds to Run Bases

Helping 5-year-olds learn to run the bases with confidence and enjoyment is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching T-Ball. Breaking down the skills, making practice fun through games and drills, providing praise and high-fives, and teaching basic rules are all key to their success. Keep it simple, focus on fundamentals, make it active and engaging. With your guidance, your young players will be running the bases like pros in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I teach kids to pay attention to the base coaches?

Demonstrate proper form like stopping, clapping, and looking for the coach’s signal. Praise kids when they do it correctly.

What if a child seems afraid to run the bases?

Give them time, encouragement and let them observe first. Pair them with a buddy. Offer to run with them. Praise small successes.

How strictly should I enforce the rules?

At this age, teach the basics but don’t over-correct mistakes. Focus on making it fun and helping them learn at their own pace.

What if kids only want to run and won’t stop on the bases?

Turn stopping into a game with incentives like points. Remind them it’s part of the rules. Practice “freeze” skills.

Should they learn to slide or avoid contact at this age?

No need for sliding. Teach them to run past the base and turn away from the play if a tag is coming. Safety first.

How can I make base running fun but keep them focused?

Mix in games and relays with short structured skill-building. Praise focused effort. Give them base running challenges to complete each practice.

What if a child lags way behind the others?

Encourage them to keep trying but don’t push too hard. Give them their own base path. Pair them with a caring buddy. Celebrate the progress they make.