How to steal a base in baseball

Step 1

The first tip to a great stolen base is learning to read a pitcher's move to the plate. Pitchers will throw over to first base to keep you close. You need to watch the pitcher for any tip offs. That is, things they do when they throw over or throw home. Most pitchers have little movements or facial expressions that they repeat when they throw home or over to the base. Find that tip off, and you can leave a bit early to get a great jump.

Step 2

While it seems obvious, it is important that you dig in your pivot foot once you have your lead set. Do not dig in so deeply that you can not return to the base easily, but get a good cleat in the ground. This will insure that you do not slip when you go to take off for second or third base.

Step 3

Use the bluff to gauge the readiness of the defense. Some teams are not paying attention. If you bluff a steal or two, and nobody covers second base immediately, then you know you are in prime position to succeed. Check out how quickly the catcher rises out of his crouch as well. A slow catcher can make it easy to steal a base.

Step 4

Time the pitcher's move home from the dugout. Before you ever reach first base, you should know the timing and movement of the pitcher. This can allow you to get bigger jumps, and steal more bases.

Step 5

Learn to use the base when you steal. If you are heading for a base while stealing and the fielder is straddling the bag, you want to give them as small of a target as possible to tag. This means that you should slide into the base with a foot. If they are in front of the bag, you should slide to the backside of the bag. If they are behind, then slide to the front. Anything that helps you become smaller will help you succeed.