A Very Sneaky Way How To Help Your Teammate Steal A Base!
Posted: Saturday, February 06, 2010
by Larry Cicchiello
Larwenty Online Enterprises Inc
I have a hard time when I hear baseball announcers say that a batter swung at a pitch to "protect the runner." Learn something that very few know about how you can help your base runner steal a base when you are the hitter.
A base runner breaks for second base for a stolen base attempt. The batter swings at the pitch and quite often an announcer will say that the batter swung to "protect the runner." Was the base runner in some type of danger and needed protection? No. The runner is simply trying to steal a base. Let's forget about protecting the runner and a much better option for the batter is to help the runner instead:
2. Place the bat at approximately the eye level of the catcher.
3. At the last second, pull the bat away and do not attempt the bunt.
4. This will slightly block the vision of the catcher when he tries to catch the ball and also will prevent him from aggressively jumping out of his stance and gaining momentum toward the base he's throwing to. Catchers don't like this because they can't make their normal throw that they practice all the time. It disrupts their timing as well as their footwork. Usually, there is a very good chance the catcher's throw will not be a good one. It's a very effective play and one of the smartest baseball coaching tips you will learn. Very few players know about it and that's why you will not see it done very often. The better catchers work on their timing and their foot work all the time. This will totally disrupt both.
"Show me a catcher with a very good throwing arm and I'll show you a catcher with very good foot work." They definitely go hand in hand. By disrupting the catcher's foot work, your base runner's chance for a successful stolen base will skyrocket!
Please note that this should be used at advanced levels of play ONLY. It should not be used by young players that are just starting out and learning how to play the game of baseball. There is a huge difference between baseball coaching tips for young players and baseball coaching tips for players at the high school level of play and beyond.
Show everyone how well schooled you are! But please remember, eight to ten year old players compared to players that are fifteen years old and up should be coached accordingly. Let's not lose sight of that fact!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)The batter must know the steal is on, doesn't he? To fake a bunt after he sees the runner start is too late, isn't it? Of course I imagine he is in on it.
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