WebBall.com - Base Path: Leads & Steals

Getting there is half the fun.

Not every player is an aggressive baserunner, but everyone should know the skills to improve their chances for a successful steal.

Important Do's and Don'ts

Important note:
The best push off foot is specific to each runner. If in sprinting you use right foot on blocks then try pivot and power off the right leg and lift left to cross over. If instead you place left foot on blocks then try lifting right side and push off from left leg.

Side step low to the ground, left foot slightly behind for a quick move back.
Tell-tale throw from RH pitcher - watch right heel (he can't turn and throw without lifting it.)
Tell-tale from LHP more difficult - watch for arm angle (throwing shoulder pull back) and white of the baseball.
Max lead: 3 full steps, for dive back; min lead: 2 steps; 2 and a bit is best.

Getting back safely...

Lead-off Variations

At first... Lead off inside base path to minimize apparent lead (parallax).
At second... Lead-off on line for a straight steal (shortest path) but otherwise well behind base path for an easy turn at third. Use your radar and peripheral vision to detect fielders' positions - not just for pick-off attempts but to know if a line drive is catchable.
At third... Lead off in foul territory (just outside line), come back to the bag in fair.

Getting a jump...

Stealing 2nd

Pivot hips with eyes to the target bag.
Push off most with whichever foot you would use to power out of blocks on a sprint. (See note to left.)
Couple of short steps, then stride, as low to the ground as possible.
Glance back once after 3-4 full strides or at 2 stride after crack of the bat.
Listen for coach, then pick him up at third as you come to second

Signs...

A sign means what it says, it is NOT optional. We keep it simple - signs for special situations only, a decoy for everything else.
Essential calls: steal, bunt, hit-and-run. A regular indicator right before to flag the sign; a wipe-out indicator to remove a sign; and a special indicator which turns the normal call into a special call - for example the steal becomes a delayed double steal; the bunt, a squeeze bunt. See our detailed page on Signs.