WebBall.com - Lesson 4: Stealing Second Base

Base Path Series

Not every player is an aggressive baserunner,
but everyone should know the mechanics.

Important Do's and Don'ts

The best push-off foot
is specific to each runner.

If in sprinting you use right foot on blocks then try pivot and power off the right leg and lift left to cross over.

If instead you place left foot on blocks then try lifting right side and push off from left leg.

Side step low to the ground, left foot slightly behind for a quick move back (lesson 3)
Tell-tale moves by pitchers are important (lesson 3) - you can't wait for arm action or ball in flight to decide. If you intend to go, watch for the front leg to flex - it's the first indicator of a pitch.
Max lead: 3 full steps, for dive back; min lead: 2 steps; 2 and a bit is best. (lesson 2)
While you may push either foot (see side note), the important shift is hips first - open them up, before the push.

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