b. A base runner having acquired legal title to a base cannot run bases in reverse order to either confuse the fielders or make a travesty of the game. A runner violating this rule is out.

Can a runner run backwards to avoid a tag?

The only time a runner should be called out for running backwards is if he has not yet reached first, and stops to back up towards the plate to avoid a tag. Any other baserunner can go back to first, second, or third. And once the batter-runner passes first, he can also back up to any of the bases.

Can you run back towards home in softball?

The only time that rules applies is between home and 1st. At any other base the runner can run back to their original base if they choose, just so long as they do not run 3' outside their basepath.