-
Step 1
Move off the base. After picking up your signs from third base make sure the pitcher has the baseball, and then take your lead. Focus on the pitcher and take your lead while he receives his sign. This eliminates a possible pick off move as the pitcher becomes set in his stretch.
-
Step 2
Know the situation. The length of your lead will be determined by several factors: your ability to get back to first, condition of infield surface, the pitcher's pick off move and the sign given.
-
Step 3
Watch a southpaw's lead leg, shoulders, pivot leg and tempo. Leg swing: if the lead leg swings behind the rubber, the pitcher must throw home. Shoulders: a lefty may rotate their shoulders towards second base when pitching to the plate while keeping them square on throws to first. Pivot leg: If the pitcher's back leg bends, he will have difficulty throwing to first base. Tempo: some left-handers have a slower motion when attempting pick offs.
-
Step 4
Key in on the right foot of a right handed pitcher, which will move off the rubber before a pick off attempt. If the righty steps behind the rubber, get back to first quickly.
-
Step 5
Adjust your lead according to the following signs given. Take or hit and run signs: a runner cannot afford to be picked off when these signs are flashed, therefore shorten up your lead. Fake steal sign: shorten your lead in order to fake the steal for a greater distance on the pitch. Steal sign: unless the count is 3 and 2, get as far off the base as possible. One-way lead sign: this sign is intended to force a throw to first in order to see the pitchers move. Take a long lead and be ready to get back to the base.
-
Step 6
Get in an athletic stance. Once you have taken your lead, stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulders width apart, knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet. Your arms should be hanging loosely in front of you NOT resting on your knees.
-
Step 7
Know how to dive. Unless you have an injury, your lead should be challenging enough to force a dive on pick off attempts. Cross over with your right foot directly toward first and dive into the base. Stay low while sliding on your chest and keeping your knees from hitting the ground. Extend your right arm (instead of both arms) for a quicker slide that allows for greater reach.
