Executing the Double Steal in Baseball

Executing a double steal in the game of baseball is a very powerful weapon when done correctly. With the proper base-runners in place and the right timing, the double steal can be nearly impossible to stop. Here is how to execute the double steal to perfection every single time.

When you are going to attempt a double steal, you will need to have a fast runner on first base as well as third base with one out or less. Some baseball managers frown upon this as a risk because of the potential sacrifice fly. Most managers that are willing to take the double steal are those that play for the huge inning and have plenty of team speed. Even if your team is rather slow on the base paths, you can still execute the double steal when you have the proper runners in place in the right situation.

Once you have the proper runners in place and the situation is right, you need to have signals in place that the batter and both runners are familiar with. All three members of your baseball team must know when the double steal is called for. If any of them miss the sign you can utterly ruin a big inning.

When you give the signal for the double steal, the runner on first base will attempt to steal second. It is imperative that they get an effective jump on the pitch. The responsibility of the batter is to not put the ball in play. The responsibility of the runner on third base is much more complicated.

The first thing the runner on third base must do is move down the third-base line only far enough that he can retreat if needed. At this point he should stop and watch the catcher. If the catcher throws down to second base, then the runner on third should streak for home. Before they fully commit they have to ensure that the throw is not actually back to the pitcher. Defenses will sometimes do this to catch the runner headed for home.

If the catcher holds the ball, the runner on third will simply retreat back to the base and the runner stealing second will now be in scoring position as well. Either way, the double steal is a success. Even if the runner stealing second is thrown out, the runner stealing home scores a run and the play is a success.