Stealing Third Base

Stealing third base can be easier than stealing second.  It comes down to finding the pitchers tendencies.  Here are a few keys to success:

• Take as big a lead as possible, without getting picked off.  The lead from second base can usually be a step of two further than that at first, because the pick-off move isn't as quick going to second base.
• The third base coach should keep an eye on the shortstop and the second baseman. The runner should keep their eye on the pitcher!  The most common tendency of a pitcher with a runner on second base is the number of looks to the base. Watch, learn, and exploit!
• Have the guts to start your movement towards third base before the pitcher lifts his leg to deliver the pitch. It's a slight gamble, but the odds are in your favor. Right before the pitcher lifts to deliver the pitch, the runner should take two lateral shuffles towards third, keeping his shoulders squared to home plate.  If the pitcher’s leg lifts to go home while the runner is completing the second shuffle step, the runner can take off for third base. If the pitcher’s leg does not lift, the runner just shuffles back to his original lead. The runner either gets a great jump, or is at least distracting to the pitcher and the defense.  It doesn't matter if the pitcher mixes up his looks really well.  If you guess two and the pitcher gives one, you wait for the next pitch.  If you guess one and the pitcher gives two, you shuffle back to your primary lead spot.  The key is that you don't go until you've at least started your second shuffle step AND the pitcher lifts his leg to deliver the pitch.