High school
Baserunning
All positions
Intermediate
New School Primary Lead Drill
Modern lead technique that starts at six feet and creates momentum to a twelve-foot secondary lead while staying balanced to go either direction.
- Skill:
- leads
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Runner begins at a safe six-foot lead, uses a right-left-and-turn setup, then executes a jab-and-shuffle to reach twelve feet just as the pitcher commits. Lands balanced so the runner can steal or return instantly.
Objectives
Generate controlled momentum without sacrificing the ability to get back; improve jump timing and pressure on the defense.
Coaching cues
Right, left and turn; jab and shuffle; stay low; land balanced to go either way; time to pitcher’s leg lift.
Common errors
Shuffling with feet together; over-rotating away from the bag; arriving too early or late relative to the pitcher.
Setup
Base, open space; coach or partner simulating pitcher hold times.
Steps
- 1. Start at six-foot lead in athletic stance
- 2. Right-left-and-turn to set the base
- 3. On pitcher commitment, jab with right foot and shuffle to twelve feet
- 4. Land balanced and ready to steal or return
- 5. Practice return technique on pick-off simulations
