Stealing Second Base

Keys to success:

• When you're not standing on the base, keep your eye on the ball.
• Keep one foot on the base when taking signals from the third base coach
• Always watch the pitcher when taking your primary lead.
• Take advantage of every opportunity.

The steal sign.

Your runners should know that there is no such thing as a steal sign, meaning that you're telling them to steal.  Rather, a better way to look at it is the steal sign is a “green light” to steal if they can get a good jump!

Taking your primary lead.

A good technique is to take a crossover step behind the right foot, followed by two sideways steps, and extend or shorten the lead from there. The player should take his lead at the front edge of the bag. In other words, the runner should be as close to the pitcher as possible while still being even with the base. The purpose of this lead is to give the pitcher the perception that you are closer to the bag. A pitcher who isn’t worried about the base runner will soon find the base runner no longer on first base!

Getting your jump

A good jump is probably the most important part of the base stealing process. If the runner doesn't get a good jump, the likelyhood of success drops significantly; and the runner who is aggressive on the jump will have much more success.  There are several different keys to obtaining a good jump

• Watch the right-handed pitcher’s feet.  The pitcher has three basic options when in the set position: deliver the pitch, pick-off the runner, or step off the rubber. When the pitcher delivers the pitch, the first part of his body to move is the left heel. When a pitcher makes a pick-off move or steps off the rubber, the first part of his body to move is the right heal.  Successful base runners are able to focus on both feet and be able to react appropriately (left foot go, right foot back).
• Watching the pitcher's front shoulder.  Another basic technique for getting a good jump is to watch the pitcher's front shoulder. When the pitcher delivers the pitch, the front shoulder will close towards third base. If he makes a pick-of move, it will open towards first base.
• Watch the pitcher for tendencies.  A good base runner watches the pitcher as soon as his teammate gets on base.  Many pitchers, especially at the youth level, will have some sort of tendency such as:
  • only makes a pick-off move ON THE WAY UP
  • only makes a pick-off move ON THE WAY DOWN
  • only makes a pick-off move WHEN SET
  • only makes a pick-off move AFTER BEING SET FOR ONE SECOND
  • never makes a pick-off move ONCE SET FOR MORE THAN A SECOND
  • only makes a pick-off move AT A CERTAIN TIME (like one second after set)
  • never makes a pick-off move MORE THAN ONCE IN A ROW
  • never makes a pick-off move TWICE
  • takes a deep breath right before pitching
  • Etc.

• Timing the Pitcher. Many times a pitcher will wait in the set position for the same amount of time on every pitch. If the runner is aware of this tendency, why not steal just before that time has elapsed?

Getting back to first base

Always go back to the bag head first.  If you can get back standing up, then your lead wasn't big enough. The “dive” back is a simple crossover and a headfirst slide to the bag. The goal is to get as low as possible as soon as possible to avoid the tag. Get up quickly (while staying in contact with the bag), and always be looking for an overthrown ball.