| Good base runners and base stealers begin looking | | | | changing it at a young age. Take advantage of |
| for cues to help them advance to the next base | | | | this and swipe all the bases you want by stealing |
| way before they set foot on the base paths. | | | | right before the pitcher begins his delivery. Your |
| Many players sit and watch for patterns within | | | | movement early won't be enough for the pitcher |
| the game, particularly from the pitcher and | | | | to change gears and attempt a pick-off, his mind |
| infielders. This ability to pick up patterns in | | | | is made up that he will deliver the pitch. |
| behavior when runners are on base can be a | | | | 2. One other great way to get the "jump" on a |
| massive advantage to any base runner. If you're | | | | left-handed pitcher at first base only is to watch |
| really serious about getting that extra bag, you'll | | | | his head. In general (and I don't know why), most |
| incorporate this thinking and work into your | | | | lefty pitchers will create distinct patterns in their |
| baseball drills. If you're a coach reading this, it | | | | head movement that will dictate a pick-off or |
| would be well worth your time to create some | | | | delivery. Test these out and practice them in your |
| awareness of this topic and implement this into | | | | baseball drills! |
| your team baseball instruction during practice. This | | | | A. If a lefty hurler brings his leg up and he is |
| article will focus specifically on patterns often | | | | looking at you on first base, there is a high |
| developed by left-handed pitchers. Being a lefty | | | | percentage chance he will be throwing the pitch to |
| myself, I'm well aware of some of the patterns | | | | home plate. Therefore, take off running when you |
| of movement that tip base stealers off! | | | | see this! Even if you're wrong and he picks you |
| 1. Youth pitchers who are first learning how to | | | | off, you have a good chance of being safe at |
| pitch out of the stretch are often unaware of | | | | second base if you run full tilt. It takes a pretty |
| their pace and tempo on the mound. This age | | | | darn good throw by the first baseman to nail you |
| group between 13-15 years old is a great time to | | | | at second. |
| have a hay day on the base paths. After 15 | | | | B. If a lefty brings his leg up and he is looking |
| years old, many coaches have identified this | | | | towards the catcher, he will likely be attempting a |
| problem and incorporated some tempo training | | | | pick-off over to first base. |
| into their baseball instruction to solve this mistake. | | | | Just implementing these two practices into your |
| As a runner, look for lefty pitchers to come into | | | | baseball drills while running bases, you'll find that |
| the set position for the same amount of time | | | | you'll take all the bases you want as a base |
| each pitch. Usually it's about one full second, then | | | | stealer. That is, until the opposing side figures out |
| they will deliver the pitch. Once pitchers find this | | | | your secret! |
| rhythm it's extremely difficult to feel comfortable | | | | |