Rules and outs
Tagging up
Tagging up means a runner returns to touch his base after a fly ball is caught before he tries to advance. He can leave as soon as a fielder first touches the ball.
If a runner leaves too early, or doesn't go back to his base at all, the defense can appeal: a fielder with the ball touches that base, or tags the runner, before the next pitch, and the umpire calls him out.
On defense, whoever covers a base watches the runner touch it. A runner who leaves early or misses a base is an out the defense only gets if someone saw it.
Based on NFHS Rules 8-2-5 and 8-2-6. Leagues can word or apply rules differently, so check your league's current rulebook.
See it in the app
- Watch the playRunner on second, fly ball to shallow left-center
- Ask the coachWhen can a runner tag up on a fly ball?
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