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Leads and Steals

goMOgoMO100+ posts
I remember a discussion awhile ago about this, but I can't find it.

Here's what we do. Assuming we want a good lead that puts us in position to steal, we have the heels of both feet on 1st base. Then as soon as the pitcher toes the rubber and starts to look in for the sign, we go RIGHT, LEFT, PIVOT (caps because they're large steps). After the pivot, they take two shuffle-type steps, where the feet are barely off the ground, one at a time.

This should put them in an optimal distance from 1st base, where they can cross-over and dive back to the bag if the pitcher comes over.

I guess we have plenty to discuss right there. I want to talk about the first step or two when breaking, but let's hold that though until we get through the lead.

People have told me never to take steps(right/left) off of first (just to side-step the entire lead), but I believe any kid can quickly turn and basically fall back onto first before the ball gets there (as long as his eyes are on the pitcher).
_________________________ I'm feeling pretty good - we've got it narrowed down to only about 1 colleges now!!!
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CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
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.

We have alwa
Last edited by CoachB25
goMOgoMO100+ posts
Bee - yes, we're striding towards 2B with our first couple of steps, then we pivot on the left foot and bring the right around so we're facing the pitcher. As coachB25 says, we then watch the pitcher, and usually when he comes set, we take our 2 shuffles.
What I like about this is that it puts as as far away from the base as can be, while still being able to get back to the base with a step and a dive. If we don't have a steal sign on, we either don't take those two shuffles, or maybe just one. No one should ever getting picked off 1st if the steal sign isn't on.

To get back, we crossover with the right leg and dive with the right arm aiming for the back corner of the base.

I haven't seen a runner get picked off on a quick move when he's only a step off the base. If he's watching the pitcher the entire time, I don't see how that could happen.
goMOgoMO100+ posts
Now onto the break. And I think this is where there's some differing opinions.

We *used* to crossover with our left leg, while bringing the left arm around hard to help get the momentum started.

what I remember reading here (maybe it was PGStaff who said it, I'm not sure), is that is the *old* way of doing it. Research suggests that a better jump can be obtained by reaching out with the right arm while crossing over with the left leg. This will get the body into a normal running mode (left leg and (opposite) right arm in front), and by the second step, you should be in your normal rhythm.

The *old * method of pulling the left arm around just gets you into the wrong running pattern (left arm and left leg ahead at the same time), and it takes longer to get to your normal pattern.

Of course, the runner should stay low, and peak in at the plate after his third step or so to see what happens with the ball.

Thoughts??
CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
gomo, not only is your method correct, you can see it if you watch video of some of the best basestealers in the game. At a recent clinic, the presenter on baserunning showed clips from Henderson to Ichiro. ALL JABBED WITH THEIR LEAD FOOT (Right) and then pulled that right arm back as the shoulders squared and they were instantly into sprinter's position. As you stated, we used to do the other method. Then, I went out and really tried to do that older method. Didn't work for me. Just used common sense and applied this newer method. Of course conventional wisdom said we were teaching the wrong method. I'm glad to see others agree.
H HotCornerDad100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by CADad:
I prefer left, right because the runner is facing the pitcher as he takes the second step and can get the right foot down and drive back toward the bag during the step. You add a pivot if he has to do that with the left foot on the second step. I believe this came down from the Dodgers organization.


I guess we've been listening to the same folks I like the start with the Left pivot Right and two slide steps, player is closer to the bag when he has his blind side to a pitcher. I am not sure where this teaching originated , maybe the Dodger's. The Left Right Left, like CoachB25 teaches, comes into play when the boys get older, I don't like to let the younger ones, typically 12U, get to crazy until I see they really can read a pitcher.
K KC_Dad10+ posts
I've got a couple questions that you all can enlighten me with concerning stealing.

1. How do you teach your lead offs from second?

2. For the ages of 10-14 what kind of permission do you give for steal signs. Meaning do you give a Green Light (Steal next pitch), Red Light (Don't steal), and/or Yellow Light (Steal when you think you can)? The Yellow Light is the one in question.
H Halfmoonslider100+ posts
There is also a mindset that I think is as important as the mechanics of the lead. I convey that mindset to players as ALWAYS...as in every single pitch, expect a mistake and be ready to pounce on it. Nothing ticks me off more than a lazy baserunner who misses an opportunity to advance or score because their brain was elsewhere or they just don't care. Either way they won't last long with me. On the other hand, a smart and aggressive baserunner can spark a team and discourage his opponent as effectively as a dinger.
H Halfmoonslider100+ posts
CADad and HotCorner, I am always open to a better way, but I've tried left right and the problem with left right is that their is no comfortable 3rd step. You physically can't open up towards the pitcher and maintain any forward progress towards second to shuffle with your left foot out front. Now who the heck am I to tell the **** Dodgers how to do it, but just get up from your computer now and try it...cain't be done. Now if you are ok with stopping dead in your tracks and opening up to shuffle without gaining distance to second then I guess thats the way to go, but way to conservative for me.
CADadCADad5,000+ posts
Grateful,
I think I'd call that 4 steps. The left, then step with the right while pivoting on the left leaves you just far enough from the base that you can dive back without taking a step. You then shuffle off to extend the lead. The best baserunners will develop their own methods based on their ability to read moves and get back quickly.
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