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High school Baserunning All positions Intermediate

Base Running Leads and Steals Practice

Measured 12-foot leads, dive-back technique, and pitcher-read steal jumps practiced as a full sequence.

Skill:
leads steals dive back
Duration:
About 12 min
Setting:
Outdoor
Players:
Small group

Coaching notes

Players take precise primary leads, work shuffle and secondary, practice crossover dive-backs, and time steal jumps off the pitcher’s first move.

Objectives

Build consistent lead distance, safe return technique, and aggressive but disciplined steal timing.

Coaching cues

Measure the lead; eyes on the pitcher; crossover and dive with the right hand; jump on the first move.

Common errors

Taking too big a lead; false-stepping on the return; jumping late or early.

Steps

  1. 1. Mark and take a 12-foot primary lead
  2. 2. Practice shuffle secondary lead
  3. 3. Work crossover dive-back technique
  4. 4. Time steal jumps reading the pitcher’s first move
Source: Antonelli Baseball

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