When can a softball runner leave the base?
I · Intermediate · Pitching and base running · 4 of 4Not until the pitch is under way. A runner must stay in contact with the base until the pitcher's stepping foot touches the ground in the delivery. There is no leading off as in baseball. A runner who goes early is out, the ball is dead and the pitch does not count. After that moment a runner may steal.
How it works
- The moment: a runner may advance "after the pitcher's non-pivot foot touches the ground during their pitching movement".
- Before it: the runner must keep contact with the base.
- Leaving early: the runner is out and the ball is dead.
- No pitch: the pitch is cancelled and other runners return to their bases.
- Stealing: allowed from that moment, at the runner's own risk.
- After a foul ball: the pitcher may not start until the runner has retouched the base.
- Not given time: a runner who was not given enough time to return is not out for being off the base.
- A run cancelled: no run scores if the third out is a runner who left early.
- On a fly ball: a different rule applies. The runner may leave when a fielder first touches the ball.
- A running start: standing behind the base to get one on a fly ball is an out.
The glossary has the leaving a base entry, the stolen base, the base runner, the pitch, the out and the dead ball.
Tricky cases
A runner on first breaks for second as the pitcher's arm starts its circle, before the pitcher's front foot lands. What is the call?
The runner is out. The ball is dead and no pitch is declared.
The runner on third leaves early with two out and the batter hits a home run. Do any runs count?
No. The runner is out for the third out, the pitch is cancelled and no run can score.
Can a softball runner steal second base?
Yes. Once the pitcher's stepping foot has touched the ground the runner may go, and can be thrown out.
After a foul ball the runner walks slowly back and the pitcher pitches before the runner reaches the base. What happens?
No pitch. The pitcher may not start the pitch before the runner has retouched the base.
Why the rule exists
The bases are only 18 metres apart. If runners could take a lead before the pitch, as in baseball, almost every steal would succeed and the pitcher would need a way to hold them on. Tying the runner to the base until the pitch is committed keeps the steal a fair race against the catcher's throw.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| On a pitch | Leave when the pitcher's non-pivot foot touches the ground | WBSC Softball Rule 5.10.1 a; 5.10.3 b ii |
| On a caught fly ball | Leave when a fielder first touches the ball | WBSC Softball Rule 5.10.1 d; 5.10.3 a vii |
| Leaving early on a fly ball | Out only if the defence appeals | WBSC Softball Rule 5.10.3, Effects |
| Baseball | Runners may lead off at any time | WBSC Baseball Rule 10 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Softball: Fast Pitch (2026-2029), Rules 1.2.5 c, 4.5, 5.1.38, 5.1.42, 5.10.1, 5.10.3 and 5.10.4 k. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Softball, Fast Pitch, 2026-2029 (PDF).