The 10 step process for taking leads and getting back
April 30, 2018 by Coach McCreary
Filed under Base Running
Stupid mistakes at the bases, even at the MLB level, often are a result of one or more things that were ignored or not performed correctly. Below are the ten steps that base runners should be working their way through on every pitch. There could be a number of additional details within many of the steps that were not included. Future posts may cover some of them. Today’s post just covers the basics.
The 10 Step Process For Taking Leads and Getting Back:
- Stand on the bag and look at the third base coach for signs.
- Take a quick scan of the defense to see where everyone is playing.
- Find the person with the ball. If the pitcher is on the mound, it has to be him. If he is not on the mound, do not move on to step #4.
- Leave the bag quickly to take your primary lead. The first step should be with your left foot. I’ll explain that in an upcoming video.
- Take an appropriate secondary lead on the pitch. How far may depend on what base you are on.
- Finish your secondary lead by landing on your right foot as shown in this VIDEO LINK.
- Stay low and take ONE quick step back to the bag to indicate that you are not a good candidate for a snap pickoff throw. NEVER take your eyes off the ball.
- Stop and watch the throw back to the pitcher.
- If the throw is caught by the pitcher, continue the rest of the way to the bag with your eyes up and scanning.
- Go back to step #1 and repeat for every single pitch
Good stuff!
But remember if you are leading off third we want to think LEFT RIGHT LEFT (yes… just like a military march) with quick steps as the ball is released. That way when the ball reaches the catcher we are “on the move” in case the ball gets by. Too many kids come to a stop and then as the catcher misses the ball they have to “start” back up again.