Base Running Tips: Stealing a Base

I've already written base running tips on getting on base and getting around the bases. My final article about base running tips is about stealing bases.

It's important to remember that base stealing is a lot like poker. Sometimes when a base runner is going to steal he does something differently that tips off to the pitcher he is going to steal just like a tell that a poker player has when he gets a good hand. It's important that when you are going to steal that you do absolutely nothing different from when you're not going to steal.

The good news for a base runner is that sometimes a pitcher also does something to tip off when they are going to try a pick off and when they are going to pitch the ball. If you can find a pattern the pitcher uses then that can definitely be to your advantage. Just like any other time on base you should always watch the pitcher.

The most common way to tell if a right handed pitcher is going to attempt a pick off or pitch the ball is to watch the right heel of the pitcher. If a right handed pitcher lifts his left heel first he is throwing home, if he lifts his right heel first he is throwing to first.

If the pitcher is left handed you might want to pay attention to the pitcher's foot instead. If the pitcher is going to throw to first his toe will be pointing down. If the pitcher is going to pitch his toe will be pointing up.

Once a base runner decides to steal a base the first step should be a crossover step. By this I mean that you should be standing facing the batter. A base runner's first step should be to turn towards the bag and step with his left leg ahead of right leg. If a base runner steps with his right leg first it will slow him down.

Just like any other time that you are running don't take a big risk when going from second to third base. Most of the time a single will score a runner from second base so why risk getting thrown at second base? Only try to steal third base if you or your coach is very, very confident that the steal will be successful.

Just because you decide to steal doesn't mean you can just put your head down and run. It is possible the batter at the plate decided to swing and he could pop up and the runner could be doubled off. Always anticipate when the ball will cross the plate and look up to see if the batter is swinging or not.