Category: April 2019

There is a lot of strategy that goes into the game of baseball, and one such component of a team’s strategy is stealing bases. But – you’ll never steal any bases if you don’t master taking a lead off the base correctly. In fact, you could actually hurt your team more if you do it incorrectly.

Today, let’s explore how to take a lead off first base and what must be done to be successful:

Stay Relaxed

Tense muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles aren’t as agile. Instead, focus on what you know from practice. Keep your head in the game and an athletic stance at all times.

Avoid the Crossover

Pitchers are trained to look for crossover footwork as you take a lead off, this means when your left foot crosses over your right. In this position, your back is actually to the base, making it more difficult to dive back toward the base in a pinch. 

Focus on the Pitcher

If you aren’t on the bag, then you better know what the pitcher – and the ball – is doing at all times. Even when you are in the dugout, watch how the pitcher handles a pickoff to first in order to know what to expect when you’re in that situation yourself.

Take a Consistent Lead

Just as you’re watching the pitcher, if he’s good, he’s watching you! Make sure each of your leads looks exactly the same, so that when it’s time to steal the base, you haven’t tipped him off with a lead that looks different than the rest before you’ve even gone for it. This lead should be around 9-12 feet from the first base bag.

Play the Angle

When leading off the bag, consider angling the lead toward the pitcher. This lead gives the pitcher an optical illusion that you are closer to the bag (when in reality you aren’t), making you appear less of a threat to steal.  Another technique? Lead off toward the back angle, making the tag more difficult.

Ready for more base running tips and techniques? Come train at D-BAT – the best baseball and softball training facility in the country! Find the closest location to you HERE!

Baseball training isn’t just about what happens on the field; it also involves weight lifting and body strengthening techniques that promote muscle strength, make you a better all-around athlete, and prevent injury.

One such test we use with our players at D-BAT to assess weaknesses is the Y Balance Test.

What is the Y Balance Test?

The Y Balance Test is a series of balancing tests that identify weaknesses and where your baseball player might be more prone to injury – or where they are still lacking motor control because of a previous injury. The test divides the body into 4 quadrants: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right, allowing the test to identify where there may be asymmetries in strength or muscle control. The athlete is asked to stand on one leg, and then reach the other leg in 3 directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The test takes the composite score of the 3 tasks and identifies a “composite reach distance” that informs injury risk.

Why Use the Y Balance Test?

When your body has asymmetries in strength, your functional abilities are impaired and risk of injury increases. The Y Balance Test is unique in that it looks at both the core and the extremities to pinpoint areas you may not have otherwise known were an issue. The Y Balance Test is proven in identifying risk of ankle injury, knee injury, and core strength deficiencies.

Want to Take the Y Balance Assessment?

D-BAT is passionate about developing the whole athlete, so functional movement and mobility are just as important to us as hitting and catching. Call a D-BAT baseball & softball training facility near you and ask about Functional Mobility & Motion Classes and the Y Balance Test for your athlete. D-BAT Lewisville has a class coming up May 2-June 6 with guru Peter Gonyeau, so call today to register! Or click HERE to find one of our other 70+ locations nationwide!