Lead

The size of the lead you get off a base can be the difference between being safe or out. At first base, you should take a large enough lead so that you can get back easily on a pickoff throw. If the pitcher throws over to first and you can get back to the bag relatively easy and without a slide, you can probably take another step or two off the base. If the throws over to first are close, a step back to first on your next lead off is a good idea.

Your leads off of second base and third base are much different. In the case of second base, the pitcher is going to have to spin (or “wheel”) and throw to pick you off, so taking a bigger lead is a good idea. Start behind second base with a walking lead towards third base and as the pitcher goes into his windup start moving up towards the bag, but of course towards third base at the same time.

You can relax a little when leading off third base (not too much) because a pitcher will rarely try to pick a runner off third base. The main thing to watch out for is a pitcher stepping off the mound when you’re on third. He might not throw over for a pickoff attempt, but he also might have you guessing he is going to throw home and step off the rubber with his back foot and then you are trapped.

The Jump

Once the pitcher commits to home plate, getting a big jump is very important. What we call a “secondary lead” is key: take your regular lead and as the pitcher begins his delivery to the plate, take a much larger lead (4-5 extra steps) and get in position to run. If the ball is hit you could be more than halfway to the next base.

First to Third

Getting from first to third base is a skill that can be taught quite easily at every level of the game. Take what we learned about leads off of first base and once the ball is hit do two things:

1. Watch the ball. Where did it land? Is it deep enough and is the outfielder far enough away where making an attempt to go to third is a feasible?

2. Watch your third base coach. After watching for the ball, pick up your third base coach when you’re about to round second base. He’s seen the ball travel the entire time, knows exactly where it is and who is holding and will able to tell if you can make it to third base safely.

And Finally……

-- Know the field you’re playing on. Study how far back the backstop is to home plate so you can judge whether taking a chance on a wild pitch is a good idea.

-- Know the surface. If the outfield grass is slick, maybe you can take a chance or two on stealing an extra base.

-- Know your opponents. If you know, a particular outfielder has a strong throwing arm, it might be best not to take an extra base when the ball is hit his way. If the outfielder has a weak throwing arm, it might be a good idea to take a chance on the base paths.