High school
Baserunning
All positions
Intermediate
Secondary Lead Timing and Decision Drill
Baserunning drill teaching proper secondary lead timing, distance, and decision-making off the pitcher.
- Skill:
- leads, timing, decision
- Equipment:
- Ball only
- Duration:
- About 10 min
- Setting:
- Outdoor
- Players:
- Small group
Coaching notes
Runners practice reading the pitcher, taking a controlled secondary lead, and making the correct decision to go or return based on the pitch outcome or pick-off attempt.
Objectives
Improve secondary lead timing and distance; train decision-making; reduce being picked off or caught flat-footed.
Coaching cues
Eyes on pitcher; shuffle soft and balanced; react instantly to ball or pick; stay athletic.
Common errors
Too deep or too shallow; late reaction; standing upright.
Safety
Clear base paths; controlled pick-off attempts.
Setup
Bases; pitcher or coach simulating delivery; optional catcher.
Progressions
Static secondary; live pitcher; add steal decisions; game situations.
Variations
Lefty vs righty; two-out secondary; dirt-ball reads.
Steps
- 1. Runner takes primary lead
- 2. On pitcher move, takes controlled secondary lead with soft shuffles
- 3. Reads ball or pick-off and decides go/return
- 4. Execute the decision with proper technique
- 5. Reset and repeat with varied pitcher actions
