How to Steal a Base in Softball

When you play hardball, you can take a lead off a base and get a head start before trying to steal the next bag. In softball, you're not allowed to take a lead which makes stealing more difficult. This is especially true for fast-pitch softball, a game in which the ball gets to the catcher in a hurry.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand at your base in a lunge position towards the next base. When you steal, you must accelerate quickly, so beginning in this position will start your momentum toward the next base.

2. Run as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. If you leave the base before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, you'll be called out by the umpire.

3. Sprint on the top of your toes as fast as you can towards second base. Slide into the base even if the catcher doesn't try to throw you out. Sliding gives you a better chance of missing a tag by the second baseman, so it's a good habit to develop. Avoid running into the second baseman if you don't slide. Run into a player and the umpire may call you out for interference.

4. Steal second base on a foul tip. A foul tip is when the batter's bat nicks the ball and it's caught by the catcher. This is considered a strike and you're allowed to steal. However, a strong armed catcher probably will throw you out since he already has possession of the ball before you run.

Tips & Warnings

• A foul ball means that the play is dead and the batter gets another chance to hit the ball. If you try to steal a base and the ball is foul, you will have to return to your original base

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