IMO, this is a HTBT play, and the key issue is when is the runner avoiding a tag? Stopping, even retreating, when the fielder ahead has the ball is not avoiding a tag; you cannot be avoiding a hypothetical tag until one is attempted. AHA!! The key, I think, is that a tag must be attempted; once that happens, the base path is established, and the 3' variation avoiding the tag in any direction, including a reversal when forced, can be enforced.

Prior to the attempt, being forced doesn't require a runner to run into a future tag. After all, the play made may remove that force.

Per my above responses, Timmy's justification to use this rule was that her base path was between her position, "X", and 3B... and Timmy wanted to say that she was now 3 feet from the "X-3B" base path... thus had violated the rule. When I explained that by moving backwards towards 2B, she had created a second and completely new base path, that's when it finally made sense to Mr. Timmy.

I know. I said the coach thing to get you riled up... ;) :D

Why cant the BR run backwards on the basepath??

Because there is a rule that specifically prohibits it.

Good enough reason for me!

learning every day!!! thanks

The basepath is the line between the baserunner and the base she's going to. There is NO RULE that says a runner (other than BR between home and 1st) cannot run toward her previous base. Retreating more than 3 feet to avoid a tag is CERTAINLY a legal move, as she is heading toward the previous base and still in her basepath to that base. Subsequent action could even allow her to run to and stop at that base, should a succeeding runner be put out at any point.