Taking Leads

[SluggerCF91]

Today we played a scrimmage game, I was on second base with 1 out. I took a good sized lead, and the pitcher threw over, I dove in safe. Next pitch, I get steal sign, so I take a slightly longer lead, he throws over and nails me, so I proceeded to the dugout, and felt like crap. How much is not enough, and how much is too much?

(I know this is extremely basic, but any edge I can get will help)

Thx

[BatSpinner]

In college we were taught to take 'measured' leads at each base. Basically a rule of thumb lead to always know how far we were off. These weren't necessarily base stealing leads, but a good measuring stick.

From 1B - 3 steps (side shuffle) and an little adjustment.
From 2B - 5 steps and an adjustment; we were taught to take leads always in a straight line from 2B to 3B. I agree with this in certain situations, others I think you can back up to get a little better angle.
From 3B - from the stretch 3 and an adjustment, from the windup 1 and an adjustment

Still use these 10+ years later.

[TG Coach]

Today we played a scrimmage game, I was on second base with 1 out. I took a good sized lead, and the pitcher threw over, I dove in safe. Next pitch, I get steal sign, so I take a slightly longer lead, he throws over and nails me, so I proceeded to the dugout, and felt like crap. How much is not enough, and how much is too much?

(I know this is extremely basic, but any edge I can get will help)

Thx

I don't give a steal sign for third unless the pitcher has an atrocious move or just doesn't check runners. What I will give is a green light to go on your own on the pitch you like. What I want to see is a big walking lead, a good read on the pitcher and a burst of speed. I also expect you to read the situation well, pick the right pitch and absolutely not get thrown out at third. And it's not mandatory to steal if you don't feel you got the right walking lead.

[5Pujols5]

There's no reason, imo, that u should have taken an even bigger lead if u had to dive back to be safe on the previous pickoff attempt.

Anyways, I usually take a 3 step lead from a base until I see their move and then adjust from there.

[paul5150]

the lead usually isnt the important thing...the jump you get is.

[Jake Patterson]

In college we were taught to take 'measured' leads at each base. Basically a rule of thumb lead to always know how far we were off. These weren't necessarily base stealing leads, but a good measuring stick.

From 1B - 3 steps (side shuffle) and an little adjustment.
From 2B - 5 steps and an adjustment; we were taught to take leads always in a straight line from 2B to 3B. I agree with this in certain situations, others I think you can back up to get a little better angle.
From 3B - from the stretch 3 and an adjustment, from the windup 1 and an adjustment

Still use these 10+ years later.


I teach somthing similar (RHP) primary leads:

1. 1B - Right foot out, back foot behind, right foot out. shuffle, shuffle. This should give two steps back to the bag standing up and one step dive going down.
2. 2B - Point to SS and 2B keep both in sight. Walk out two steps, shuffle, shuffle. This should give you three steps going back standing up, two steps, dive going down.
3. 3B - Depends on pitching but always down foul - back fair.

Secondary leads are something different.

[SluggerCF91]

Thats what I figured, thx.

[TG Coach]

the lead usually isnt the important thing...the jump you get is.

I'm sorry boys. When stealing third the lead you get is a huge part of the equation. You need a good walking lead. This doesn't mean the jump isn't important. They're both important.

The throw to third is shorter. You can score from second on a hit anyway. Obviously there are more ways than a hit to score from third. But you need to be 100% right stealing third. Getting thrown out once at third is once too many.

I have runners I give the green light too on second if the situation warrants. But it's still on the runner to be 100% correct in their decision.