Face the pitcher with your chin over your front shoulder.
That way, you'll track the ball with both eyes (in stereo!) which helps you read the spin, speed and movement - in case it's coming towards you!

Turn away from a ball that's going to hit you.
Pull your front shoulder back, duck your head way below your shoulders, and take it on the back. (The most serious injuries are when the ball hits you on the chest or head - even with a helmet on.)

Batting gloves improve your grip on the bat, and protect your knuckles from an inside pitch. [Personal note from WebBall head coach: first time my son faced a live pitcher, at age 9, the first pitch scraped across the back of both hands - and seven knuckles spurted blood. Batting gloves would have made all the difference.]
Steal a base with all your equpiment in working order.
Check your chin strap while you take the coach's signs, and check your laces before you step off the bag.
   
If your league allows lead-offs...
The best lead-off is safe in two ways - you won't be tagged out, and you won't be injured getting back. Three and a bit side steps off still lets you get back in two - cross your right leg in front then stride with your left leg to the far corner of the bag (farthest from the throw). And lean away from the tag. Much, much safer than diving back in.

Slide in feet first - use the sit-down technique. Pop up with your back to the throw. NEVER keep the front cleat up or aim for the baseman. Your league should enforce the slide or avoid rule at every base! (More on the How to Slide page.)
Start every play ready to move.
Have feet balanced, body low, head up, both eyes focused on the plate. (You don't want a line drive to surprise you!)
   
Call loudly for every fly ball or pop-up, even if you think no teammate is close. (When the adrenaline is pumping, you won't always hear them coming!)
 
Keep behind the bag on any throw to a base. You'll reduce the risk of injury to yourself - and to the player sliding in.
Check catcher's gear before the game - all snaps and ties, on helmet, mask, neck and chest guards, shinpads, and cup.

Drop and block all pitches in the dirt, with shoulders hunched forward and chin tucked down. - never assume a bounce will come up to your glove, it could come up under your chin or under your cup.

Move up baseline (a stride or two) when a runner is coming. Put only one leg to the line, with most weight over your other foot. The leg isn't there to block the runner - but to give you a refence point for a sweep tag.