[nickrego]

If the runner leads off either in front of or behind the bag, he is not abandoning the base or the base path. When advancing to the next base (or back to the prior base) from that position, they must go directly towards the base. By setting up say 5’ behind the bag, they have established that point as their starting point of a direct line to the base (base path). They now have + or – 3’ on that newly established base path.

The runner is only out for moving out of the base path if he does so to avoid a tag. The runner can set up in Right Field if they want to, as long as there is not an attempted tag being made while they are setting up out there. (This is an exaggeration of course to make a point)

But lets just say there are runners on 1st and 3rd with no outs. While the pitcher is holding the ball at the mound, the runner on 1st could start jogging in a large arc towards the outfield, advancing to 2nd base to draw a throw. He would not be considered out of the base path until a play started on him. At the moment the defense begins the play on the runner, the point he is at establishes his base path. During the attempted play (tag), he must go directly towards 2nd or 1st from that point. He can not go back to the direct line between 1st and 2nd to avoid a tag.