Want to steal more bases?

The first question to ask is do I need to steal a lot of bases against this team? The stronger the pitcher the more you will want to steal! These tips are for a higher level of play. We are assuming the catcher has a strong arm.

Stealing 2nd Base

1. How far is the shortstop from bag they are covering? The farther they are from the bag the higher your chances of being safe.
2. What is the shortstops IMMEDIATE REACTION TIME? Some shortstops leave too early before the ball gets past the batter. This is bad as a smart team will hit and run. Some shortstops have a 1/2 second to full second delay before they remember to look and cover the bag. This is also bad. The best shortstops won’t have any delay. They may cheat a step before the pitch but the second the ball gets past the batter they ASSUME the batter is stealing and stop when they realize they aren’t stealing.
3. NEVER Fake Bunt when stealing 2nd Base. This just moves the shortstop closer to the bag and makes it easier for the defense. Instead I use a SWING THROUGH where the batter intentionally misses the pitch. This freezes the shortstop and makes it hard to get to the bag if they hold their ground.
4. Know where the centerfielder is prior to the pitch. If you’re using a swing through there is a good chance the ball will go into centerfield. If the centerfielder isn’t charging in you may be able to get to 3rd Base on an overflow. I would suggest a pop-up slide when you think you’ve beaten the throw.
5. Every pitch you don’t steal your chances of success goes up. Most catchers are ready in the first few pitches. But after 5-6 pitches they will assume you aren’t stealing with that runner.
6. Look to steal more on pitchers that throw a lot of change-ups, drops and screwballs. Less on fast, rise and curves. Also steal more on pitchers that throw inside than outside.

Stealing 3rd Base

1. Who is covering the shortstop or 3rd Base?
2. What is their IMMEDIATE REACTION TIME?
3. If the third baseman is covering from 5-10 feet in front of the bag wait for the pitch to be released and have the batter fake a drag bunt. If the pitch is a ball, pull back at the last second. If the pitch is a strike, have the batter miss the bunt. This will draw the third basemen in and the runner just needs to outrun the SS. This is a READ PLAY. If the third baseman doesn’t bite on the fake bunt or if you can’t outrun the shortstop then stop and sprint back to 2nd.
4. If the third baseman is way up and the shortstop is responsible for covering the steal and 30 feet from 3rd Base, try a swing through. If they have ANY delay in their IMMEDIATE REACTION TIME, you should be safe.
5. If the third baseman is covering, try to slide to the left-field side of the bag. If shortstop is covering, slide to the inside of third base. Be ready to pop-up quick when stealing 3rd Base. Lots of throws will go into left field and you will be able to score. Always have a good idea how deep the left fielder is playing. I also wouldn’t hesitate to steal third with two outs.
6. The better the pitcher the more you should try to steal third!
7. If you are able to get the defense to cheat to cover steals you will open up a lot of holes for your hitters to hit through. Teach your players to hit to all fields!

Good Luck!