"Coach Dunns Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

STEALING SECOND BASE AGAINST THE RIGHT–HAND PITCHER USING THE MOVING LEAD

A highly effective way to STEAL SECOND BASE AGAINST A RIGHT-HANDED PITCHER involves using a short lead off first base in combination with a moving lead.

• The short lead off does not look like one from which the base runner will attempt a steal.
• The moving lead gives the base runner the extra jump necessary to steal the base.

STEALING SECOND BASE AGAINST THE RIGHT-PITCHER USING THE MOVING LEAD

By adjusting his lead off at first base from a long to a short lead, the smart base runner can often dupe and then exploit the pitcher enabling him to steal second base with relative ease. If the pitcher is a "rhythm pitcher", the base runner has an additional advantage that can also be exploited.

The adjusted lead will enable a runner with average speed or below average speed to become a good base stealer. The base runner does not appear to the defense to be a base stealing threat, and the defense often becomes complacent once the runner takes a short lead off first base this complacency is reinforced.

SETTING UP THE PITCHER USING THE LONG ONE-WAY LEAD OFF FIRST BASE

1. The measured lead off first base is step, crossover, and adjust. This maneuver will place the runner approximately 9 to 10 feet from first base.
2. The base runner takes his measured lead off first base and then adds an additional shuffle step. This will result in the runner having a slightly longer than usual lead off the base.
3. The runner's lead off first base is "one-way," that is, he is physically and mentally prepared to dive back into first base. He is anticipating a pick off throw by the pitcher.
4. The runner's lead off first base should be long enough to entice the pitcher to throw over to first base but short enough to allow the runner to dive back to the base safely.
5. When utilizing the one-way lead, the base runner must interpret any movement by the pitcher as a pick off attempt and return to first base quickly.

STEALING FROM THE SHORT LEAD OFF

1. After the pitcher makes a pick off attempt or two at first base, the runner should adjust his lead off the base from long to short.
2. Using the measured lead the base runner's lead off at first base is STEP … CROSSOVER … WITH NO ADJUSTMENT STEP. This will appreciably shorten his primary lead.
3. This short lead off should lull the pitcher into a sense of complacency. Feeling that his pick off attempts have intimidated the runner resulting in the runner shortening his lead off first base … The pitcher is now vulnerable for exploitation by the alert base runner.
4. The short lead off is a good decoy because it does not look like one from which the base runner will attempt to steal.
5. It should be noted that the majority of pitcher's will throw to first base a maximum of two times when attempting a pick off. Rarely, if ever, will a pitcher make three attempts.
6. Consequently, many coaches instruct their runners to steal second base on the pitcher's first movement after two pick off attempts have been made.

RHYTHM PITCHERS

1. Many pitchers develop a rhythm … one, two, three, and throw. The alert runner can exploit this rhythm.
2. The base runner should count 1001, 1002. It may be necessary to add a count or two … 1003, 1004 or subtract a count to get the correct timing.
3. If the pitcher throws on 1003, take a short controlled shuffle step bringing the left leg under after counting 1001, 1002. If the timing is correct, step out with the right foot and break hard for second base.
4. If the timing is wrong … hold up!
5. Don't Go! The shuffle step will put the runner back to his normal primary lead. If the pitcher throws to first base, push off the right foot and dive back into first base.
6. Study and time the pitcher so that you can out guess him. This will enable the average runner to become a base stealing threat often stealing second base standing up.

SUMMARY:

The SHORT LEAD OFF FIRST BASE combined with the MOVING THE LEAD against the right-handed rhythm pitcher will enable the base runner to get an extra good jump. When timed correctly a stolen base is almost guaranteed.

Good Luck!

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