High school
Baserunning
All positions
Beginner
Primary Lead Tips and Steal Starts
Clear teaching on primary-lead distance, foot placement and the explosive first steps for stealing.
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Partner
Coaching notes
Antonelli Baseball breakdown of primary leads at first base with practical distance cues and the crossover or shuffle start mechanics for steals.
Objectives
Establish consistent primary leads and explosive, correct first steps on the steal.
Coaching cues
Lead distance relative to pitcher; left-foot or shuffle preference; explode with back foot force into the ground; eyes on the pitcher’s feet/heel.
Common errors
Too deep or too shallow lead, wrong first step, watching the ball instead of the feet.
Steps
- 1. Demonstrate and set primary lead distance
- 2. Practice shuffle or left-foot start
- 3. Add visual cue of pitcher heel/foot
- 4. Full steal starts with return-to-base work
Source:
Antonelli Baseball
