We teach, left, right left & pivot on that left foot. These are normal strides and on the balls of your feet. Check the Pitcher on that Pivot and freeze. Many "quick pick offs will occur while the runner is in this position so we freeze and read before our next portion of our lead. Now, we take two small shuffles. We do not believe in crossing our feet at any time. We teach to focus on the pitcher's back heel. Others teach to watch the shoulder. If a pitcher is really open on their stretch, we teach watching the shoulder. For the most part, if a pitcher makes any move, you have to see the body through peripheral vision and direct eye focus located on that back heel. We teach to come back in on the back portion of the bag and so, our leadoffs are in a line from the back edge of 1st bast to the back edge of 2nd. Our toes are on that line. Anxiously awaiting the steal portion of this discussion.
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