How to Leadoff First Base

The leadoff of first base for a runner is a balancing act of trying to not get picked off first and putting yourself in the best possible position to advance to second base. Watching the pitcher and responding to his actions with a proper order of operations is important.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stay on first base until you can see the ball in the pitcher's hand and you have received any signs from your third base coach.

2. Establish a primary lead while the pitcher is in his stretch position. A safe lead is usually a step and a dive back to first base. Learn what this distance is for you and let it be your standard lead. The length of your standard lead can be adjusted depending on the quality of the pitcher's pick-off move.

3. Keep your weight forward on the balls of your feet with your knees bent. Ensure your weight is balanced so that you can move either to your left or to your right.

4. Take a step and then a dive back to first base on a pick-off attempt when in your standard lead. If you have taken a lead longer than your standard lead, you may have to take two steps or more before your dive. When you get a feel for your standard lead distance, you will know how many steps you need to take to get back to the bag with a dive.

5. Switch your attention from the pitcher to home plate as the pitcher delivers the pitch. You are now ready to get a secondary lead.

6. Shuffle your feet toward second base while the pitch is on its way to the plate. Continue momentum toward second base unless the pitch is not hit by the batter or is hit in the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Always watch the pitcher's pick-off move during the game to get a good feel for how far you can leadoff the base.
• Remember left-handed pitchers can usually get the ball to first base quicker in a pick-off attempt.
• Never take your eyes off the ball.

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