with Greg Hamilton

• After sign-runner-set, hold for different counts - to put the runner back on heels.
• Vary the look-backs (including no-look as an option) and the time of each look.
• Slide step delivery - works only if you can keep balance back and get something on the pitch. Too often balance is shifted forward, the arm has to catch up, and the pitch is thrown high.
• Six-cleating - to make a better slide step, show your cleats to the batter. This forces your balance back.

• Learn good base running yourself - to understand the strategy and the possible give-away moves.
• Understand line-up speed - to anticipate base-stealing situations.

1. COUNT RUNNERS. They look for the pitch to go on - 2-0, 3-1, and so on. Also could go on 2-strike count, as catchers tend to squeeze a third strike to get the umpire's call
2. COMMIT-POINT RUNNERS. They break as soon as your lead knee is at its top point (so vary it).
3. POOR RUNNERS. They may be slow or lack confidence, but that doesn't stop a coach from calling a hit-and-run or delayed steal.

• Measure the lead to know if he's going.
• Decide if it's two-way or one-way. (Some runners claw for an extra step but may be balanced in a two-way lead - ready to dive back, while others who take a shorter lead may do so to get an explosive first step - no thought of step back.)

• Don't let the runner read when you're about to pick.
• Sign-runner-set. Always take the sign, check the runner and get into the set position in a comfortable rhythm. (Then be unpredictable.)
• Always nod the same for every sign, don't accidentally signal with your chin if you get a pick sign.
• Don't show your best move on first pick. (Try a slower move, or good speed on move but throw a palm-ball change-up.)

• Normal - front leg towards first - easily readible because you have to lift your heel first. (Good for a checking throw over.)
• Step back off rubber - throw not required (no balk). Runners start to expect step-back never includes throw. Prove them wrong.
• Jump turn - tough to time right, tough to get much on the throw, but can create indecision.
  On these, also vary step speed.

• Normal - 90° knee bend then step to base (good for checking throw).
• Step back - requires strong short arm throw, like a catcher.
• Low knee step - as normal, but go to base before the knee is up fully.

• Step-back-turn and jump-pivot both work.
• Set up step-back check (no throw) for later step-back pick throw.
• Work out cues with fielders - i.e., shortstop comes up right behind runner and marks lead foot position, but comes back on the base side if he intends to break for the bag.
• Infielder glove snap - use it sparingly, not to annoy runner but to signal pitcher (i.e. 1 snap if SS taking it, 2 snaps for 2B)

• They seldom work. Pitcher must be well ahead in count (at which point, predictable).
• If a pitch-out is called, pitcher must acknowledge like any sign.
  
• Best way to signal, a normal sign (i.e. fastball one-finger) but without specifying inside or out (for higher age teams only).