High school
Baserunning
All positions
Intermediate
How to Steal Third Base Mechanics
Detailed footwork, timing and decision points for stealing third base successfully.
- Duration:
- About 10 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Small group
Coaching notes
Antonelli Baseball instruction on the unique angles, secondary lead and break timing required to steal third.
Objectives
Teach the different lead and break mechanics needed for third-base steals versus second.
Coaching cues
Primary lead angle toward shortstop side; secondary timing with the pitch; explosive crossover; read the catcher’s throw path.
Common errors
Leading straight toward third, late secondary, poor first-step angle.
Steps
- 1. Set primary lead at second with correct angle
- 2. Practice secondary and break on visual cue
- 3. Full steal attempts with return and tag-up options
Source:
Antonelli Baseball
