How to Steal a Base in a Clutch Situation
- 1). Take a lead of between 6 and 12 feet. You must give yourself every advantage when trying to steal a base, and taking a fairly sizable lead is essential. You have to be able to get back to first base if the pitcher throws over--and he almost certainly will--so be aggressive, but know your limit. With each throw over to first, you are getting to know the pitcher's pickoff move. Watch how he takes his stretch on the mound, how he looks over at the base and then looks home. Watch his front leg. Does he take a quick step toward first base or does he bring it up a few inches before trying to pick you off? All of this information allows you to time his motion and get the correct lead.
- 2). Don't waste time on the base paths. Once you have studied the pitcher and gotten a comfortable lead, it's time to get aggressive and go. Attempt your stolen base on the first or second pitch to the next batter. If you are successful, that means your team will have three chances to drive you in from second with a hit or perhaps two chances to drive you in from third with a sacrifice fly.
- 3). Begin with a crossover step from left to right. Your left foot is closer to first when you take your lead off the base. Once you have determined that you are going to steal on the ensuing pitch, you want to accelerate quickly in order to give yourself the best chance of stealing the base. Push off with your left foot and bring it over the top. Then do the same with your right and you are basically running at full speed. A base stealer may feel more comfortable taking a couple of shuffle steps to get started, but this is a much slower getaway, and it will increase the chances of getting thrown out at second base.
- 4). Run in a straight line toward second base, but always slide for the back corner of the bag. The throw from home to second is a difficult one for the catcher. It is 127 feet from home and second, and it basically requires a perfect throw to get a fast base-runner out. Even with a perfect throw, the opposing shortstop or second baseman will likely catch the ball at the front of the base and attempt to slap a tag on the runner. If you have slid for the far corner of the bag--closer to center field than home plate--the fielder may not be able to reach you when attempting the tag.
- 5). Keep your eyes open as you run to second and also listen for the crack of the bat against the ball. The play may be a straight steal, but it could also be a hit-and-run, where the batter is supposed to hit the ball if it is a good pitch. It is the base runner's responsibility to keep running if it is a ground ball or a base hit, but he must get back to first base if it is a fly ball, pop-up or line drive. Experience will eventually tell you when the ball is hit well just by the sound it makes, but try to glance at the ball midway through your sprint to second, so you will not be caught off-guard.
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