4 Keys to Stealing Bases
he steal is one of the most exciting
plays in baseball. A player on base tries to run to the next base without the assistance of a teammate’s hit. If he gets there before the opposing team can throw the ball to the base and tag him, he’s safe. If not, he’s out. It’s got speed, deception, timing, and coordination. Catcher Donald Figgs, who also plays 1st, 2nd and 3rd base, admits that the hardest base to steal is first base, but he says there are some keys to getting more steals in.
1) Know your timing and get good acceleration
You have to know how fast you are from first to second. For the first four or five steps, keep your head and body low to maintain the proper lean needed for good acceleration.
2) Extend your lead
You also want to stretch your lead as far as the pitcher. The length of your lead should be long enough to take off if given the signal to steal, yet short enough to get back to your base if necessary.
3) Watch your pitcher
Watch the pitcher throw to the plate; note what body parts he moves first. I usually count the seconds from when he first moves his feet until he lets the ball go. There are also times I move when my coach gives me the signal.
4) Practice the slide
You have to slide as late as possible, so little speed is lost from the friction of the ground. Make sure you're sliding in a straight line. Practicing will make it easier for you in the game.
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15 brookSport S 2019
by brookSport Staff
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