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Stealing Bases Lead-Off And Reaction
Runners practice lead-offs from first base, reacting to the pitcher's moves to either steal second or dive back safely.
base-runningallsmall-group10-15 min
Bring
- Baseball gloves
- Baseballs
- Catcher's gear
- Bases
Host
Use the infield at first base. Requires 1 pitcher, 1 catcher, 1 first baseman, and 4-12 runners. Run for 10-15 minutes.
Prep
- Place a pitcher on the mound, a catcher behind home plate, and a first baseman at first.
- Line up runners near first base, starting with one runner on the bag and others behind them.
- Coach stands near the runners or behind the pitcher to observe and call the drill.
Run
- The first runner takes a lead-off from first base.
- The pitcher delivers a simulated pitch or throws a pick-off to first base.
- If the pitcher goes to the plate, the runner takes a few steps and stops, simulating a delayed steal or reading the ball.
- If the pitcher throws to first, the runner must dive or slide back to the base safely.
- Rotate runners through, giving each player 3-5 reps before the next player takes their turn.
Say
- Good jump!
- Don't guess, react!
- Dive back!
- That's it!
Watch for
- Runners taking too big of a lead and getting picked off easily.
- Runners guessing the pitcher's move instead of reacting.
- Runners not diving back feet-first or head-first when a pick-off is thrown.
- Runners not getting a strong first step.
Harder / easier
- Easier: Have the coach on the mound act as the pitcher, clearly calling out 'pitch' or 'pick-off' to simplify reactions.
- Harder: Add a second baseman and shortstop to cover second base, practicing throws to second for live base stealing attempts.
Why this one
Teaches runners to read pitcher's moves and react quickly to either steal a base or get back safely.
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