Double First Base (Safety Base)
Also known as: double first base, double base, safety base, safety bag, orange base, orange bag, orange first base, first base to run to, double bag
A double first base, or safety base, pairs a white half in fair territory with a colored bag, often orange, in foul territory. On a play at first, the batter-runner touches the orange side and the fielder takes the white one, so they stay apart. USA Softball uses it at first in all divisions; in USSSA it is optional.
The safety base is 15 by 30 inches. Its white half sits where a normal first base would be, in fair territory. The orange bag sits next to it, just outside the line. A batted ball striking the inside bag is fair, and one striking the outside bag is foul.
USA Softball requires it at first in all divisions (Rule 2, Section 3H). On a play on the batter-runner, the fielder must use the inside bag and the runner the outside bag. A runner who touches only the inside bag can be called out if the defense appeals in time. There are exceptions. On a throw from the foul side of first, or a wild throw that pulls the fielder into foul ground, either bag can be used. After reaching first, both count as the base.
USSSA makes it optional (Rule 2, Section 6). When a league uses it, the batter-runner must touch the outside bag on the first throw to first. The fielder must touch the white one. That rule covers only the initial play. Returning after overrunning, rounding on a hit to the outfield and tagging up are excluded. Later, a USSSA runner standing only on the safety side is considered off the base.
That is where the name safety base comes from. Two separate spots give each player a place to land on close plays, which helps in rec and coed games with mixed speeds.
Tips by skill level
On a ground ball to the infield, run to the orange bag. With no play at first, such as on a hit to the outfield, either spot is fine.
Know your rule book. USA Softball lets a runner already on first use either part. Under USSSA, after the first play, standing only on the colored bag counts as off the base.
Example
A batter hits a ground ball to short. She runs through the safety side while the first baseman stretches from the inside bag. They never touch, and she is safe by a step.
Why it matters
Touching the wrong spot can cost an out on appeal. Using the right one also keeps both players' feet apart on close plays.
Common mistakes
- Heading for the inside bag on a ground ball to the infield
- Fielders stretching from the safety side instead of their own
- Assuming the safety side still counts as the base after the first play in USSSA
- Forgetting that a batted ball striking the outside bag is foul
Frequently asked questions
Which first base do I run to in softball?
On a play at first, run to the colored bag, often orange, just outside the line. The fielder uses the white one. On a hit to the outfield with no play at first, you may touch either.
What is a safety base in softball?
It is a double-wide first base: a white half in fair territory beside a colored half in foul territory. Runner and fielder each get a separate spot, which keeps them apart.
Is a ball that hits the orange base fair or foul?
Foul. Under USA Softball and USSSA rules, a batted ball hitting the colored bag is foul and one hitting the white bag is fair.
Can the runner be called out for touching the white base?
Yes, on a play at first. Under both rule books, a batter-runner who touches only the inside bag can be called out if the defense appeals in time.
Sources
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 2 Sec. 3H (double base at first base in all divisions; 15 by 30 inches), p. 26
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 8 Sec. 2N (double base: fair and foul, which half the defense and batter-runner use, exceptions and appeal), pp. 91–92
- USSSA Slowpitch Rule Book and By-Laws, 2026 Edition, Rule 2 Sec. 6, Note (safety base optional; 15 by 30 inches; batter-runner touches the colored portion on the initial play at first; exceptions), p. 16
Related terms
- First Baseman StretchThe first baseman stretch extends one leg toward the throw, keeping the other foot on the bag. It shortens the ball's path so the out comes sooner.
- Base RunningBase running in slow pitch means reading the ball off the bat and knowing when to push ahead or hold. Smart choices turn singles into extra-base chances.
- Force PlayA force play is an out recorded by a fielder simply touching the base ahead of a runner who is required to advance. No tag is needed, because the runner has to advance to make room for the batter-runner or a trailing runner.
- Field Dimensions (Slow-Pitch)Slow-pitch field dimensions cover base paths (commonly 65 feet), pitching distance, and fence distance, which vary by league and division.
- Courtesy RunnerA courtesy runner is a substitute allowed to run the bases for a player who reaches base but is unable to run. That player stays in the game; common reasons include injury, age-based recreational-league eligibility, or a pitcher/catcher who needs rest between innings.
Related guides & benchmarks
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