Embedded Files
General
General
1st Base
1st Base
Peak 1-2 times while running to 1st Base: While running to first base, it's advisable to quickly glance towards the baseball to gauge its location and the positioning of the fielders. This helps you stay aware of any potential plays or threats.
Run down the line, or just on the outside/foul part of the line: As a runner, you should aim to run in a straight line towards first base, ideally along the outside or foul part of the baseline. By doing so, you minimize the chances of interfering with the fielder's play or getting tagged out.
Do not stop until you run through/past 1st base: Maintain your momentum and continue running until you pass the first base bag. It's crucial not to slow down or stop before reaching the base to maximize your chances of reaching safely.
Once past first base, break down and turn your head to the right (to observe for a passed ball): After successfully reaching first base, slow down and come to a controlled stop. At this point, turn your head towards the right (towards second base) to observe for any potential passed balls or wild pitches that may allow you to advance to the next base.
Turn to the outside (right or away from 2nd base) - not towards 2nd base: When rounding first base, make a wide turn towards the outside (right side) of the baseline, away from second base. This positioning allows you to take a more efficient path towards the next base and maintains your momentum.
Get back to the base and identify where the baseball is: After rounding first base, quickly get back to the bag as soon as possible while keeping an eye on the baseball. This helps you assess whether the fielders have the ball and make a decision on whether to stay on first base or attempt to advance to the next base.
Reference videos:
Leading Off
Leading Off
Basics
Basics
4 Rules:
Know where the ball is. If the pitcher's not on the mound, and you don't see (or know where) the baseball (is) - stay on the base: It's important to keep track of the baseball at all times. If the pitcher is not on the mound or you lose sight of the ball, it's safer to stay on the base to avoid being caught off guard or potentially picked off.
Acknowledge/Know the Outs: Stay aware of the number of outs in the inning. This knowledge helps you make better decisions on the base paths, such as when to be more aggressive or cautious.
Check for Signs: Pay attention to signs from the coach or base coaches. They may provide instructions or signals regarding hit-and-run plays, bunt attempts, or other strategic moves. Being aware of the signs ensures you're on the same page as the team and can execute plays effectively.
Check the defensive alignment: Take a quick look at the positioning of the defensive players. This allows you to assess any potential gaps, shifts, or weaknesses in their coverage, providing opportunities to advance or avoid outs.
The acronym "BALLS" can summarize:
B - Find the Baseball
A - Acknowledge the Outs
L - Look for the Signs
L - Look for the Defense
S - Stay Balanced
Take a few steps initially ("Primary Lead") - then extend your lead: When taking a lead, start with a few initial steps away from the base, which is known as the primary lead. Once you've established the primary lead, you can choose to extend your lead further based on the pitcher's movements and timing.
Once the pitch is delivered, take a "Secondary Lead": After the pitch is thrown, you can take a secondary lead, which means moving a few more steps away from the base in anticipation of advancing to the next base on a hit or a stolen base attempt.
Reference videos:
First Base Leads
First Base Leads
Stay on the back edge/line of the base: While taking a lead, it's recommended to position yourself on the back edge or line of the base. This positioning allows you to maintain a shorter distance to the base and be ready to quickly return if necessary.
Always go back to the back corner of the bag - yes, you can go BACK (only) headfirst: When returning to the base, aim to touch the back corner of the bag. Going back to the corner allows you to maximize your chances of reaching the base safely. Note that going back headfirst is only allowed when retreating to the base, as diving headfirst can be risky and increases the chance of injury.
Use the timing tool of "UCLA" to identify the pitcher's timing: "UCLA" is a common timing tool used by base runners to identify the pitcher's delivery and improve their chances of stealing a base. It stands for:
Each initial stands for a second... u = 1, C = 2, L = 3, and A = 4 seconds
By using the "UCLA" timing tool, you can develop a sense of the pitcher's timing and improve your ability to time your jump and attempt a successful steal.
Reference videos:
Second Base Leads
Second Base Leads
Start behind the baseline: By starting behind the baseline, you:
Increase your peripheral vision of the second baseman and shortstop. This expanded field of vision allows you to better anticipate their movements and react accordingly.
Allows a better angle to score on a ball hit to the outfield: Starting behind the baseline provides you with a better angle to score on a ball hit to the outfield. You can take advantage of the improved positioning to read the ball's trajectory and make more accurate decisions on whether to advance or hold your position.
Same principles on a Primary Lead and extension: Apply the same principles of a primary lead and its extension from the initial section. Maintain balance, stay focused on the pitcher, and be ready to react based on the situation.
Benefit from the 3rd Base Coach: When starting behind the baseline, you can benefit from the guidance of the third base coach. The coach can help communicate with you and assist in keeping the second baseman in your peripheral vision. This can provide valuable information and help you make better decisions on the base paths.
Use the timing tool of "Red, White, Blue" to identify the pitcher's timing: "Red, White, Blue" is another timing tool used by base runners to identify the pitcher's timing. It is used to identify any general pattern of the pitcher looking back at the runner:
Red: 1st look.
White: 2nd look.
Blue: 3rd look.
Using the "Red, White, Blue" timing tool can help you identify any patterns in the pitcher's looks back to 2nd base, synchronnizing your movements with the pitcher's delivery and improving your chances of successful base stealing attempts.
Reference videos
Third Base Leads
Third Base Leads
Generally the 3rd Baseman will not be holding the runner on which typically means you're going to want to typically be around the same distance from the bag as the 3rd baseman.
Because the runner has a lead, they can read/anticipate bad pitches from the pitcher and take off on a pass ball or wild pitch
You DO NOT want to get picked off from the pitcher or catcher at 3rd base
Reference videos:
Reading Right-handed Pitchers
Reading Right-handed Pitchers
Reference videos
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