Baseball is one of the only environments where you're encouraged to steal something and you only get sent back to the bench if you get caught. A stolen base can help your team get in prime position to score a run, making it one of the more lucrative baseball plays. Perfecting your form, timing and speed will help you be the ultimate base stealer.
Step 1
Stand far enough away from the base you're currently at to get a jump on the ball, but not far enough away that you won't have time to dive back if the pitcher tries to pick you off.
Step 2
Get in the ideal stance for being ready to steal. Spread your legs more than shoulder-width apart and bend your legs so you're low to the ground. You may also want to place on hand on the ground for balance once you take off.
Step 3
Lunge towards the next base once the pitcher starts his pitching motion and you know he's not going to try to pick you off. Focus on using your leg muscles to drive your body towards the base and run as fast as you can toward the next base. Don't focus on what the catcher or pitcher is doing to react to your base-stealing attempt.
Step 4
Throw your hands and upper body out and in front of you towards the base you're trying to steal once you get within sliding range. Reach for the base and touch it as soon as you can. Try not to slide past the base, because if you slide past it and lose contact, you can be tagged out. Do everything you can to avoid the base player's tag.
Tips and Warnings
- If the catcher doesn't attempt to get you out or the ball gets thrown wild, take the base standing up, or do a feet-first slide.
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