How do you teach your young players to lead off of first base and return on a pick off attempt?
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As an umpire, here's some friendly advice.....No lead until the pitcher comes to the SET position. Otherwise, he's a fielder (until engaged on the pitchers plate), worse, the hidden ball trick can be played if he's not on the mound.
Always, always, know where the baseball is located.
Always, always, know where the baseball is located.
I advise not taking a lead until the pitcher is on the rubber. That eliminates the hidden ball trick. I do not make the runner wait until the pitcher becomes set but to be aware that the pitcher is not obligated to be set before a move to first.
Two things must happen before runner gets lead off base-
1. batter is in batters box
and
2. Pitchers rear foot is touching his plate.
As soon as both of the above happen then it is safe for runner to get lead off. If you wait for pitcher to come set then it is too late as the pitcher can deliver the pitch at this point.
Best advice- get about a 5 foot lead when the pitchers foot is touching the rubber before he comes set. Then as he makes his motion to come set get another 4-5 feet. Once pitchers start their motion to come set they will almost always come set before trying a pickoff. After he comes set you may decide to get another 2-3 feet lead off the base. I believe that first base runner with righty on mound should get a big enough lead that he has to take one big step and then dive arm outstretched to get back to bag barely in time. If he can run back he is too close and if he has to take more than one step before diving then he is too far. Lefty pitchers are different as they have a much more deceptive motion in a pickoff attempt and so I like to only get far enough off that they can still just turn and dive arm outstretched.
1. batter is in batters box
and
2. Pitchers rear foot is touching his plate.
As soon as both of the above happen then it is safe for runner to get lead off. If you wait for pitcher to come set then it is too late as the pitcher can deliver the pitch at this point.
Best advice- get about a 5 foot lead when the pitchers foot is touching the rubber before he comes set. Then as he makes his motion to come set get another 4-5 feet. Once pitchers start their motion to come set they will almost always come set before trying a pickoff. After he comes set you may decide to get another 2-3 feet lead off the base. I believe that first base runner with righty on mound should get a big enough lead that he has to take one big step and then dive arm outstretched to get back to bag barely in time. If he can run back he is too close and if he has to take more than one step before diving then he is too far. Lefty pitchers are different as they have a much more deceptive motion in a pickoff attempt and so I like to only get far enough off that they can still just turn and dive arm outstretched.
One other thing-
I like to teach the runner to watch the front foot rather than the rear after they get their lead. Watch for the front leg to start to move, once it does either steal or get a secondary (righty pitcher with runner on first). Second is more difficult as you have to watch for the defense creeping in behind you- always know where 2nd and short and cf defensive men are. On second you have to wait for the pitchers front leg to start its forward movement towards home before they can get secondary or steal. Third base runner should always get his lead in foul territory just in case of balls hit directly at him and causing him to be put out if he was in fair territory. Third base is tricky because you have to wait the longest time before getting a good secondary and also have to get back quickly after the pitch is caught as it is the easiest bag to get picked off of for a catcher throwing down to third.
Always get your lead away and in "back" of a straight line between bases (about 2-3 feet). This allows them to have a better angle when diving back and makes it more difficult for the defense to tag them.
I like to teach the runner to watch the front foot rather than the rear after they get their lead. Watch for the front leg to start to move, once it does either steal or get a secondary (righty pitcher with runner on first). Second is more difficult as you have to watch for the defense creeping in behind you- always know where 2nd and short and cf defensive men are. On second you have to wait for the pitchers front leg to start its forward movement towards home before they can get secondary or steal. Third base runner should always get his lead in foul territory just in case of balls hit directly at him and causing him to be put out if he was in fair territory. Third base is tricky because you have to wait the longest time before getting a good secondary and also have to get back quickly after the pitch is caught as it is the easiest bag to get picked off of for a catcher throwing down to third.
Always get your lead away and in "back" of a straight line between bases (about 2-3 feet). This allows them to have a better angle when diving back and makes it more difficult for the defense to tag them.
Wow what a bunch of miss-information here. Of course the umpire does not want to slow the game down. Forget what he posted.
GBM you continue to amaze me with your lack of knowledge about baseball. This is not intended to offend you, just to make sure others who read your stuff understand who they are dealing with. Forget about the front leg, watch the heal.
Since you are looking for fundamentals I will send you to the following website to help give you some more information. You will find more coaching fundamentals here than anywhere else I have found on the Internet. The main page is www.webball.com . The base running section is here:
http://www.webball.com/cms/page5396.cfm
I assume you are teaching kids who have come up from LL and are just learning. So Keep It Simple. KISS.
1. On the bag at all times until the pitcher takes the rubber.
2. NEVER take your eye off of the pitcher.
3. There are two leads. A) Primary B) Secondary
a.Primary are two big slide steps. Never cross over your legs going out.
b. Secondary is one more. Go out to primary when the pitcher is getting his signs. Go to secondary once he comes set.
4. Watch the heal.
5. 3-4 big slide steps after pitcher releases….ball not hit get back immediately.
6. ALWAYS get dirty going back to the bag on a pick attempt.
BTW teach your pitchers to pick when the kids are moving out. You will get more base runners this way, particularly with young kids.
Stealing with Lefty’s is actually very easy with young kids. Take a short primary lead and go on first move. Go out to secondary and get him to throw over at least once. Once he is comfortable with your short lead go on first move. Even if the pitcher throws to first keep your runner going hard to second and in most cases he will be safe.
Practice with your kids and pitchers and make a game of it! They will learn and have a blast.
Good luck!
GBM you continue to amaze me with your lack of knowledge about baseball. This is not intended to offend you, just to make sure others who read your stuff understand who they are dealing with. Forget about the front leg, watch the heal.
Since you are looking for fundamentals I will send you to the following website to help give you some more information. You will find more coaching fundamentals here than anywhere else I have found on the Internet. The main page is www.webball.com . The base running section is here:
http://www.webball.com/cms/page5396.cfm
I assume you are teaching kids who have come up from LL and are just learning. So Keep It Simple. KISS.
1. On the bag at all times until the pitcher takes the rubber.
2. NEVER take your eye off of the pitcher.
3. There are two leads. A) Primary B) Secondary
a.Primary are two big slide steps. Never cross over your legs going out.
b. Secondary is one more. Go out to primary when the pitcher is getting his signs. Go to secondary once he comes set.
4. Watch the heal.
5. 3-4 big slide steps after pitcher releases….ball not hit get back immediately.
6. ALWAYS get dirty going back to the bag on a pick attempt.
BTW teach your pitchers to pick when the kids are moving out. You will get more base runners this way, particularly with young kids.
Stealing with Lefty’s is actually very easy with young kids. Take a short primary lead and go on first move. Go out to secondary and get him to throw over at least once. Once he is comfortable with your short lead go on first move. Even if the pitcher throws to first keep your runner going hard to second and in most cases he will be safe.
Practice with your kids and pitchers and make a game of it! They will learn and have a blast.
Good luck!
BOF- We walk out left then right then two shuffle steps. Just one lead. The secondary is referred to after the pitcher starts his motion. Three hard shuffles usually gets a player into a position to where the ball is going into the hitting zone. At that point, he has some weight on his right foot (to continue to 2B or push and work back to 1B) and his body is still squared up to home so he won't be off balance if he gets back-picked.
Ump-Sorry, bad advice.
GBM- You have no idea what you are talking about. Honestly, you should just shut up and listen to people on here who actually know what they are talking about. You consistently spout misinformation.
Ump-Sorry, bad advice.
GBM- You have no idea what you are talking about. Honestly, you should just shut up and listen to people on here who actually know what they are talking about. You consistently spout misinformation.
What I teach:
Take the lead once the pitcher is on the rubber.
From that point it's, watch the pitcher and listen to 1B coach.
The appropriate lead depends on the player, but it's just enough slide steps out so that they need to dive back on a pick. Never cross feet moving out on the lead.
***Speaking of the dive back. I've always taught to dive back with the right hand and looking away from the throw. This serves two purposes. It protects the face from a low throw and the runner is now facing in a direction to be able to see a passed ball, get up and take second.
Secondary lead is good, but teach to not take eyes off the catcher when returning.
Hope this has been helpful.
Tim
Take the lead once the pitcher is on the rubber.
From that point it's, watch the pitcher and listen to 1B coach.
The appropriate lead depends on the player, but it's just enough slide steps out so that they need to dive back on a pick. Never cross feet moving out on the lead.
***Speaking of the dive back. I've always taught to dive back with the right hand and looking away from the throw. This serves two purposes. It protects the face from a low throw and the runner is now facing in a direction to be able to see a passed ball, get up and take second.
Secondary lead is good, but teach to not take eyes off the catcher when returning.
Hope this has been helpful.
Tim
Here's another tip:
Tell your first base coach to shut up and stop talking. Let the runner focus on the pitcher. At the youth level, I've seen numerous pick-offs while a base coach is yacking to his runner.
As a coach, if I see a talkative opponent base coach, I'm having my pitcher throw over alot...
Tell your first base coach to shut up and stop talking. Let the runner focus on the pitcher. At the youth level, I've seen numerous pick-offs while a base coach is yacking to his runner.
As a coach, if I see a talkative opponent base coach, I'm having my pitcher throw over alot...
We teach exactly what ncball does. I also happen to agree with him about therefump and GBM.
I differ from deaconspoint on the coach. If my runner has to get back because I yell it, he is probably already picked. We teach during practice and let them execute in games.
I differ from deaconspoint on the coach. If my runner has to get back because I yell it, he is probably already picked. We teach during practice and let them execute in games.
quote:If my runner has to get back because I yell it, he is probably already picked.
Except for back picks where F3 plays off the base behind the runner (perhaps with the bases loaded) and tries to sneak over to the base. The baserunner can benefit by a warning from the base coach in that situation.
quote:GBM- You have no idea what you are talking about. Honestly, you should just shut up and listen to people on here who actually know what they are talking about. You consistently spout misinformation.
Shut up? I gave some really good information. I find it amusing that you just spout off at others.
You crack me up!
quote:Wow what a bunch of miss-information here. Of course the umpire does not want to slow the game down. Forget what he posted.
GBM you continue to amaze me with your lack of knowledge about baseball. This is not intended to offend you, just to make sure others who read your stuff understand who they are dealing with. Forget about the front leg, watch the heal.
BOF,
We may be saying the same thing (heel/ foot) not sure but it sounded like you are meaning the rear leg, maybe not, anyways I will clarify myself-
I have been there a hundred times. We time runners who both watch the front leg (foot technically) and then watch the back leg (foot technically)(same kids). Runners who watch the back leg get a worse jump on stealing. Leads are all about putting pressure on the pitcher and hopefully moving over on passed balls, wild pitches or just straight stealing.
when I coach first base I watch the pitchers front foot because of this important fact-
You will never steal second watching the rear foot! On most pitchers (rightys) they must either step off and throw or step first towards the base with the front foot (MLB rules which most LL play by). Watching the front foot will never get you in trouble. Runners at second "MUST" watch the front foot to see when it starts to break either towards them or towards home. Third base runners must watch the front foot to see when it is too late for them to step towards third in a pickoff attempt. At first with a lefty it is the same as being on third for a righty.
So I don't know what you are talking about but the runner really should be watching what the front foot is doing, especially if he wants the edge on stealing.
I agree (whatever that means) with Deacon. I like the player to shuffle rather than walk because his feet are always in position for a dive return. Taking that left step, rather than shuffle, puts his body in a poor position for a return as soon as that foot elevates.
I note that the concensus is a dive return. Yes with a line behind the bag. Yes with the reach with the right hand to the bag. Yes with turning the head away from the pitcher for the reasons given. But one facet is missing.
What do you tell your runners about the left hand on the return?
I note that the concensus is a dive return. Yes with a line behind the bag. Yes with the reach with the right hand to the bag. Yes with turning the head away from the pitcher for the reasons given. But one facet is missing.
What do you tell your runners about the left hand on the return?
quote:Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:
Except for back picks where F3 plays off the base behind the runner (perhaps with the bases loaded) and tries to sneak over to the base. The baserunner can benefit by a warning from the base coach in that situation.
I will have my 1B coach talking about the 1B's position with the runner but yelling back is pretty fruitless. It is the coaches job to watch the 1B's when playing behind.
I always taught: heels on the bag until pitcher toes the rubber, then immediatley take a left, right step, then get low and shuffle-shuffle.
Line up even with or slightly in front of 1B and open up the right foot slighlty.
Going back: one step and dive to the back corner of the back with the right hand and looking into RF.
Never take eyes off the pitcher.
Line up even with or slightly in front of 1B and open up the right foot slighlty.
Going back: one step and dive to the back corner of the back with the right hand and looking into RF.
Never take eyes off the pitcher.
quote:I advise not taking a lead until the pitcher is on the rubber. That eliminates the hidden ball trick.
I don't think you have to wait until he toes the rubber. I don't think he can legally take the mound without the ball or it is a balk.
Umpires correct me if wrong.
quote:BOF- We walk out left then right then two shuffle steps. Just one lead. The secondary is referred to after the pitcher starts his motion. Three hard shuffles usually gets a player into a position to where the ball is going into the hitting zone. At that point, he has some weight on his right foot (to continue to 2B or push and work back to 1B) and his body is still squared up to home so he won't be off balance if he gets back-picked.
I agree, just differences in terminology. I assume you do not cross legs "walking" out, because if we see it our pitchers will be picking on the "walk out"
quote:I don't think you have to wait until he toes the rubber. I don't think he can legally take the mound without the ball or it is a balk.
Your observation is correct. Of course the pitcher may be off of the mound with the ball elsewhere. There is no advantage for the runner being off of the bag before the pitcher is on the rubber.
As an aside of nit quality, if the pitcher is toeing the rubber he is most likely in the windup position.
quote:I agree, just differences in terminology. I assume you do not cross legs "walking" out, because if we see it our pitchers will be picking on the "walk out"
WE do cross but I agree it's not a bad time to pick and can be succuessful if the runner is non chalant in his lead. Otherwise he is still close to the bag and can get back standing up if he's paying attention. I just don't like the side shuffles because too many youth ballers will look back at the bag after each shuffle step. And some will sort of hop hop.
One of the biggest faults I see is taking the lead way off the line out toward RF. Kinda like a two out lead at 2B.
quote:Originally posted by cball:quote:I agree, just differences in terminology. I assume you do not cross legs "walking" out, because if we see it our pitchers will be picking on the "walk out"
WE do cross but I agree it's not a bad time to pick and can be succuessful if the runner is non chalant in his lead. Otherwise he is still close to the bag and can get back standing up if he's paying attention. I just don't like the side shuffles because too many youth ballers will look back at the bag after each shuffle step. And some will sort of hop hop.
One of the biggest faults I see is taking the lead way off the line out toward RF. Kinda like a two out lead at 2B.
We cross as well. It's controlled and you are so close to the bag that there should not be a problem getting picked.
You can actually talk all day about getting leads at first and the vast majority will be correct. Basically what I teach is that you get out about 11 - 13 feet from the bag and be ready.
Two types of leads
Primary - this is the lead you take after the signs and he toes the rubber
Secondary - this is the 2 or 3 extra shuffle steps you take once the pitcher has committed to the plate and you are not stealing.
Where to take the lead from involves various things
1) you can take the lead from the inside corner. Purpose of this your lead looks smaller to the pitcher from that angle.
2) take the lead from the middle of the bag. Purpose is a straight line into second that is a little farther away from the throw the catcher makes.
3) take the lead from the back corner. Purpose is that now the 1B has to reach farther to apply a tag.
Getting your lead can be done a few ways
1) Left foot on the bag. Extend with right foot and bring left foot together with right. Keep doing that until you gain the appropriate distance
2) Both heels on the bag facing 2B while watching the pitcher. Step left foot out and turn foot so your body starts to make you face the plate. Then cross behind with right foot to completely turn body to face the plate. Then you can foot to foot until gaining the distance.
3) Left foot on the bag. Extend right foot and then bring left foot behind right foot until you are just past the right foot. Then extend right foot and go foot to foot until you get the distance. Purpose of this is when the left foot his behind the right foot if there is a pick then you can pivot both feet and explode back into base.
I personally don't like this one and never teach it but I've seen people teach it.
Once you have gained the distance and set you need to watch / do several things
1) Keep hands off thighs and knees. You do that you have to pick your body up before you can move. Keep arms slightly bent at the elbow and out in front. Purpose is you want to throw the lead elbow (either one depending which way you are going). If stealing second the right elbow has to be thrown back and stab motion with the left hand to help open the feet on the crossover. Going back to 1B same thing just backards.
2) Be careful of false steps when going either direction. For example if they are stealing then they take their right foot and drop it back towards their left foot. Then the left foot comes across and lands about where the right foot left and then the right foot goes forward. So basically they took three steps and gained one step.
A) Teach the crossover where the runner is on his toes. He throws the elbow and stabs while his feet spin in place to open and point toward second. Now he's in a "sprinting" stance.
B) Teach the pulling guard step (that's what I call it since I was a guard in football). Take the right foot and step towards second base while opening the foot. Arm action is still the same.
3) You take your lead as soon as you get your signs and the pitcher toes the rubber. After you leave contact with the base be ready to come back. Get out there and set up quick and be still. The more movement you have the more likely you are to get picked.
4) When the pitcher comes set focus on a point between his feet. Be ready to move in the appropriate direction based on which heel (not leg or foot - has to be the heel) moves. If you watch JUST the front foot then you will be slow to get back and if you JUST watch the back then you will be slow to get a jump. Watch both heels - it can be done if you focus in the middle.
Coming back to the bag
1) It should be a step (crossover or pulling guard) with the left foot being the explosion side back into the bag. The right foot / leg doesn't do a whole lot once it's been opened to the bag.
2) It's actually not a dive back but more of a slide close to the ground. To me dive implies getting off the ground and falling from up top. I want them low and head first sliding back to the bag. It's semantics and terminology so not a big deal.
3) Take the right hand and extend fully toward the back corner regardless if you take lead from front, middle or back corner. There are a couple of ways to hit the bag with your hand
A) Closed fist - purpose is to protect the fingers from being jammed. You can do this by holding batting gloves.
B) Heel of hand - hit the bag with the bottom of your hand just before the wrist. Make sure fingers are pointing straight up do don't get jammed. I broke a finger once when my hand went under the bag and hit the metal pole that goes into the anchor.
4) Head should be looking towards the outfield to protect face from bad throw, hard tag and be able to see possible overthrow
If there is an overthrow and you need to get up and go to second.
1) Once you have gotten back then your chest should be pretty much on the bag or just to the outside with your right hand on the back corner.
2) You should be in a push up position once the dive / slide is over. If you have to get up and go then do a quick push up and bring the right foot under you.
3) The right food can be used to plant and turn to second. If you go with left you will probably spin the wrong way and take too much time.
Purpose of this is when you dive back you shouldn't be straight into the bag like an upside down T. You need to be angled slightly where your feet are pointing towards the mound area. By doing this you have slightly opened your body to be quicker.
When going to second make sure you run in a straight line until you get to where you have to break out to make the turn. I've seen guys trying to steal 90 feet and turn it into 100 feet because they were all over the place. Straight line in.
All of that is with a RH pitcher. Now let's talk about reads for a LH pitcher. Basically everything is the same but more of a strategy difference.
Getting the lead is still the same but now the differences are
1) Get a short lead and go on first move. Purpose is by having a short lead the pitcher PROBABLY won't throw over. You are guessing that first move you can make up the difference and get more because he won't come over.
2) Get a big lead and on first move jab step back to the bag. Purpose is you are lulling him to sleep. If he sees everytime he moves you head back then later in the game you can go first move and he probably won't come over.
If you jab step back and he is going to the plate then you take your normal secondary lead.
What to look for on LHP if he's picking
1) Back shoulder - if his back shoulder goes away from you then he's turning to come over to 1B. He might not do this but he won't have much on the throw
2) Once he's up in balance point his right foot crosses his left foot. He does this then by rule he has to go to the plate. Problem is in a 2 man ump crew they probably won't call this balk if he crosses and comes over.
If you go on first move and he does pick then haul butt and don't look back. You are committed to second. As you run drift slightly towards the IF grass. Straight line isn't as important as trying to take away the throwing lane. A good first baseman will step towards the throw from the pitcher to create a throwing angle but if they don't and the runner drifts now they have to throw over or around runner. As you approach the bag read the MIF and who's taking the throw (probably SS). If he starts reaching one way then slide away from it. Make him catch and cover ground to apply the tag. If he's good he will tag the bag and let the runner come into it but sometimes they want to chase the runner.
First base coaches responsibility
1) Remind him to pick the signs from the 3B coach
2) As the signs are being given tell the runner the situation - outs, OF arm strength, how good the pickoff move is etc... They can do both - look and listen because you want to get the talking over with before he leaves the base
3) Don't say anything unless the 1B is behind and is making a legitimate threat to pick. Just because the 1B moves means you have to say anything to the runner. Only say what needs to be said
4) Don't yell back on a pick. You look stupid because as someone said if the runner is waiting on you to say then you are toast.
We don't have just one way of doing something. We teach the guys all these moves early and practice them. Once they find something they like then they work on what they like. All you got to do is take them into the OF and get five lines (or whatever) and use the foul line as a frame of reference. Just make sure whatever they do they do it right.
Ok this is a lot more than I thought it would be and if you made it this far then I hope I have helped you.
Two types of leads
Primary - this is the lead you take after the signs and he toes the rubber
Secondary - this is the 2 or 3 extra shuffle steps you take once the pitcher has committed to the plate and you are not stealing.
Where to take the lead from involves various things
1) you can take the lead from the inside corner. Purpose of this your lead looks smaller to the pitcher from that angle.
2) take the lead from the middle of the bag. Purpose is a straight line into second that is a little farther away from the throw the catcher makes.
3) take the lead from the back corner. Purpose is that now the 1B has to reach farther to apply a tag.
Getting your lead can be done a few ways
1) Left foot on the bag. Extend with right foot and bring left foot together with right. Keep doing that until you gain the appropriate distance
2) Both heels on the bag facing 2B while watching the pitcher. Step left foot out and turn foot so your body starts to make you face the plate. Then cross behind with right foot to completely turn body to face the plate. Then you can foot to foot until gaining the distance.
3) Left foot on the bag. Extend right foot and then bring left foot behind right foot until you are just past the right foot. Then extend right foot and go foot to foot until you get the distance. Purpose of this is when the left foot his behind the right foot if there is a pick then you can pivot both feet and explode back into base.
I personally don't like this one and never teach it but I've seen people teach it.
Once you have gained the distance and set you need to watch / do several things
1) Keep hands off thighs and knees. You do that you have to pick your body up before you can move. Keep arms slightly bent at the elbow and out in front. Purpose is you want to throw the lead elbow (either one depending which way you are going). If stealing second the right elbow has to be thrown back and stab motion with the left hand to help open the feet on the crossover. Going back to 1B same thing just backards.
2) Be careful of false steps when going either direction. For example if they are stealing then they take their right foot and drop it back towards their left foot. Then the left foot comes across and lands about where the right foot left and then the right foot goes forward. So basically they took three steps and gained one step.
A) Teach the crossover where the runner is on his toes. He throws the elbow and stabs while his feet spin in place to open and point toward second. Now he's in a "sprinting" stance.
B) Teach the pulling guard step (that's what I call it since I was a guard in football). Take the right foot and step towards second base while opening the foot. Arm action is still the same.
3) You take your lead as soon as you get your signs and the pitcher toes the rubber. After you leave contact with the base be ready to come back. Get out there and set up quick and be still. The more movement you have the more likely you are to get picked.
4) When the pitcher comes set focus on a point between his feet. Be ready to move in the appropriate direction based on which heel (not leg or foot - has to be the heel) moves. If you watch JUST the front foot then you will be slow to get back and if you JUST watch the back then you will be slow to get a jump. Watch both heels - it can be done if you focus in the middle.
Coming back to the bag
1) It should be a step (crossover or pulling guard) with the left foot being the explosion side back into the bag. The right foot / leg doesn't do a whole lot once it's been opened to the bag.
2) It's actually not a dive back but more of a slide close to the ground. To me dive implies getting off the ground and falling from up top. I want them low and head first sliding back to the bag. It's semantics and terminology so not a big deal.
3) Take the right hand and extend fully toward the back corner regardless if you take lead from front, middle or back corner. There are a couple of ways to hit the bag with your hand
A) Closed fist - purpose is to protect the fingers from being jammed. You can do this by holding batting gloves.
B) Heel of hand - hit the bag with the bottom of your hand just before the wrist. Make sure fingers are pointing straight up do don't get jammed. I broke a finger once when my hand went under the bag and hit the metal pole that goes into the anchor.
4) Head should be looking towards the outfield to protect face from bad throw, hard tag and be able to see possible overthrow
If there is an overthrow and you need to get up and go to second.
1) Once you have gotten back then your chest should be pretty much on the bag or just to the outside with your right hand on the back corner.
2) You should be in a push up position once the dive / slide is over. If you have to get up and go then do a quick push up and bring the right foot under you.
3) The right food can be used to plant and turn to second. If you go with left you will probably spin the wrong way and take too much time.
Purpose of this is when you dive back you shouldn't be straight into the bag like an upside down T. You need to be angled slightly where your feet are pointing towards the mound area. By doing this you have slightly opened your body to be quicker.
When going to second make sure you run in a straight line until you get to where you have to break out to make the turn. I've seen guys trying to steal 90 feet and turn it into 100 feet because they were all over the place. Straight line in.
All of that is with a RH pitcher. Now let's talk about reads for a LH pitcher. Basically everything is the same but more of a strategy difference.
Getting the lead is still the same but now the differences are
1) Get a short lead and go on first move. Purpose is by having a short lead the pitcher PROBABLY won't throw over. You are guessing that first move you can make up the difference and get more because he won't come over.
2) Get a big lead and on first move jab step back to the bag. Purpose is you are lulling him to sleep. If he sees everytime he moves you head back then later in the game you can go first move and he probably won't come over.
If you jab step back and he is going to the plate then you take your normal secondary lead.
What to look for on LHP if he's picking
1) Back shoulder - if his back shoulder goes away from you then he's turning to come over to 1B. He might not do this but he won't have much on the throw
2) Once he's up in balance point his right foot crosses his left foot. He does this then by rule he has to go to the plate. Problem is in a 2 man ump crew they probably won't call this balk if he crosses and comes over.
If you go on first move and he does pick then haul butt and don't look back. You are committed to second. As you run drift slightly towards the IF grass. Straight line isn't as important as trying to take away the throwing lane. A good first baseman will step towards the throw from the pitcher to create a throwing angle but if they don't and the runner drifts now they have to throw over or around runner. As you approach the bag read the MIF and who's taking the throw (probably SS). If he starts reaching one way then slide away from it. Make him catch and cover ground to apply the tag. If he's good he will tag the bag and let the runner come into it but sometimes they want to chase the runner.
First base coaches responsibility
1) Remind him to pick the signs from the 3B coach
2) As the signs are being given tell the runner the situation - outs, OF arm strength, how good the pickoff move is etc... They can do both - look and listen because you want to get the talking over with before he leaves the base
3) Don't say anything unless the 1B is behind and is making a legitimate threat to pick. Just because the 1B moves means you have to say anything to the runner. Only say what needs to be said
4) Don't yell back on a pick. You look stupid because as someone said if the runner is waiting on you to say then you are toast.
We don't have just one way of doing something. We teach the guys all these moves early and practice them. Once they find something they like then they work on what they like. All you got to do is take them into the OF and get five lines (or whatever) and use the foul line as a frame of reference. Just make sure whatever they do they do it right.
Ok this is a lot more than I thought it would be and if you made it this far then I hope I have helped you.
quote:Originally posted by Daque:
I agree (whatever that means) with Deacon. I like the player to shuffle rather than walk because his feet are always in position for a dive return. Taking that left step, rather than shuffle, puts his body in a poor position for a return as soon as that foot elevates.
I note that the concensus is a dive return. Yes with a line behind the bag. Yes with the reach with the right hand to the bag. Yes with turning the head away from the pitcher for the reasons given. But one facet is missing.
What do you tell your runners about the left hand on the return?
Good point Daque. I can't honestly say that much time is spent on the left hand. Actually I'd be lying to say I teach anything with that hand and I may well start now. I am primarily coaching my sons teams of 10-12 year olds so if I can get them to lead correctly and return with the right hand I think they're doing pretty good. The left hand can be where it goes as long as they are getting back correctly.
As I see it the left hand is most naturally going to be by the left side as the runner dives back in with right hand to left corner of bag. The momentum of the move back to the bag should have the right arm reaching for the bag and the left reaching back. Kind of like a freestyle swimming stroke, but more compact. Diving back in this way should give the kid the best chance of facing the proper direction on the return without much thought. Right hand forward, left hand back will kind of make a person want to turn they're head to the left. As a young player progresses you can talk about going in right handed and then drawing that hand back to avoid the tag, but that's another day.
Hope this has made sense and helps in some way.
Tim
Whoulda thunk there would be so much written on a rather short topic? First a comment and then a question.
Here is what I have runners do with the left hand. At the time of the dive I have them pivot and push off of the ground using the left hand. It is critical that the fingers are pointing to RF so the wrist doesn't get broken. This procedure allows for a little longer dive.
I am more or less out of the hunt here is Mexico being all but retired except for a an occasional clinic or consult. The question is are people still teaching one way, two way, and safe leads?
The one way lead is where the balance is toward F4 and used with anticipation of a steal on a pitcher with a mediocre move (you hope). The two way lead has the runner assume the basic athletic stance used in most sports and allows for either a steal or a return. The safe lead allows for a safe return on a lefty or a pitcher with a good move.
Here is what I have runners do with the left hand. At the time of the dive I have them pivot and push off of the ground using the left hand. It is critical that the fingers are pointing to RF so the wrist doesn't get broken. This procedure allows for a little longer dive.
I am more or less out of the hunt here is Mexico being all but retired except for a an occasional clinic or consult. The question is are people still teaching one way, two way, and safe leads?
The one way lead is where the balance is toward F4 and used with anticipation of a steal on a pitcher with a mediocre move (you hope). The two way lead has the runner assume the basic athletic stance used in most sports and allows for either a steal or a return. The safe lead allows for a safe return on a lefty or a pitcher with a good move.