A base runner can travel the 90 feet between bases in about three to four seconds. A ball can be thrown that same distance in less than one second. It is obvious then that any boy who wants to steal a base has his work cut out for him. Let’s assume you are the runner now, and breakdown and examine the whole process of leading away, returning to the base, and breaking for the next base.

First of all, be sure the pitcher has his foot on the rubber before giving up contact with the base. As you wait for him to put his foot on the rubber, face the mound with your left foot against the rear corner of the base.

You can start leading away as the pitcher takes his stretch-but be careful! The pitcher can throw almost any time during the stretch move. (If the pitcher uses a full windup, you can move as soon as he moves).

To get away from the base, take a sliding step right with the right foot. Bring the toe of the left foot in back of right heel and take another sliding step right. You should be able to take three and a half such steps. (About the length of your body plus one step).

When you reach the end of your lead, the heels should be off the ground, the weight distributed evenly on the balls of both feet, the body bent at the waist, hands hanging free. Be poised to go either way.

Never turn your back on the base and walk away from it to obtain a lead. Never lean, or shift too much weight in one direction. Baseball Training - Read More.