Touch the base or touch the runner?
The first thing every fielder learns. Sometimes you just step on the bag. Sometimes you have to catch the runner.
The rule: If the runner HAS to run, touch the base. If they can stay, you have to tag them.
Two kinds of outs
There are two ways to get a runner out.
Touch the base before they get there, or touch THEM with the ball. Which one you need depends on one question: does this runner have to run?
Rule 1
The batter always has to run.
The second the ball is hit, the batter must go to first. So first base is ALWAYS a touch-the-base out. Beat them to the bag and they are out. No tag needed.
Rule 2
A runner has to run when someone is behind them.
Runner on first. The batter is coming to first — two people can't share a base! So the runner MUST go to second. Touch second base first and they're out.
Rule 3
Nobody behind them? They can stay home.
Runner on second, nobody on first. Nobody is pushing them, so they can just stand on their bag and watch. Throwing to third gets nobody out — and the batter walks into first for free.
Count the forces
Before every pitch, count who has to run.
Nobody on: only first. Runner on first: first and second. Runners on first and second: first, second, third. Bases loaded: everywhere, even home. That list is where the easy outs are.
You make the call.
Runner on second, nobody on first. Ground ball to you at shortstop. Tap where the play is.