Know when you may leave
Before every pitch, know this division's lead and steal rule. A rule for another division can change the entire play.
Learn first
Learn the skill
Read these ideas, then try the situations below. Practice with a coach when a movement is new.
Quiz Mode: try each answer before checking the explanation.
Coach View: use the answers and teaching notes to guide practice.
Read the ball first
On a ground ball, look at its direction and the coach's signal. On a fly, see whether it is caught. If it is caught, retouch your original base before advancing. If it drops, read the live ball and the coach before moving.
See example: Running through first
See example: Waiting on a fly-ball read
Move with control
Take a secondary move only when it is legal and manageable. Round a base while looking at the next play, then return promptly when the defense has the ball.
Practice a rundown
When caught between bases, keep your eyes on the ball, choose a base and run decisively. Do not turn away from a throw you cannot see.
Practice it here
Take a lead you can recover from on the 70-foot diamond. Watch the pitcher, return on a throw toward your base and move only after reading the live play.
Situation 01
Take a lead you can manage
You are on first in Intermediate. The ball is live and the pitcher can legally throw over. Begin with the controlled lead practiced with your coach.
- 1 Home to first
- 2 First to second
- 3 Second to third
- 4 Third to home
Coach answer: Leadoffs are permitted; remain ready for a legal pickoff Intermediate permits a pre-pitch lead. Stay ready for a legal pickoff and a controlled return.
Coaching Points
Observe the pitcher while keeping a balanced return position.
Common Mistakes
A rule borrowed from Majors changes the decision incorrectly.
Alternative Considerations
There is no mandatory training lead distance; adapt to the runner.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base Balk
Situation 02
Read before committing
Your coach gives the steal sign. Rehearsal separates the pitcher's legal throw to first from movement committed toward delivering a pitch.
Coach answer: The practiced read, not an automatic guess on any motion Watch the ball and the legal timing before committing. Guessing at a pitcher's first motion can send you into a tag.
Coaching Points
Use slow demonstrations before live attempts; ask the runner to name what was seen.
Common Mistakes
A guess can look fast until a pickoff exposes it.
Alternative Considerations
Different pitchers need different observations; do not promise one visual cue always works.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base Balk
Situation 03
Be ready after delivery
The runner builds a controlled secondary lead as the pitch develops, then reads the ball and catcher without losing the ability to return.
Coach answer: Keep balance for an advance or return Stay balanced enough to advance when the ball gets away or return when the defense has a play.
Coaching Points
Rehearse both directions from the same balanced position.
Common Mistakes
A secondary lead should not become an uncontrolled drift.
Alternative Considerations
Pitch location, catcher control and the team's plan can change the next action.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base
Situation 04
Read the catch on a fly
You are on base when a fly is hit. Watch for the catch and the coach's signal; do not confuse a ball in the air with a completed catch. An infield-fly call puts the batter out, but the ball stays live. If the fly is caught, runners still have retouch duties.
Coach answer: The catch still creates retouch responsibilities If a fly is caught, retouch your original base before advancing. The infield-fly call does not cancel a real catch.
Coaching Points
Practice reading a caught ball and one that drops without assuming identical runner actions.
Common Mistakes
The infield-fly call does not itself stop the ball.
Alternative Considerations
Outs, bases and a catch each matter; say them separately during a walk-through.
Related rule or safety source: Infield fly
Situation 05
Run through the coach's picture
On an extra-base chance, find the base coach early enough to act on the agreed signal. Touch the base under control and keep awareness of the ball.
Coach answer: A clear stop or continue signal and a controlled turn A controlled turn keeps the next base in view while giving you time to follow the coach's stop or continue call.
Coaching Points
Start at a jog, then add speed when the runner reads the signal reliably.
Common Mistakes
A fast turn without a read can send the runner into a bad decision.
Alternative Considerations
Field conditions and player confidence may require a slower progression.
Coaching tip
Situation 06
Rehearse the return
The pitcher makes a legal pickoff attempt. The runner uses the return technique taught in a supervised practice, not an improvised dive at another player's feet.
Coach answer: A controlled return with safe spacing Return with your eyes on the ball and room to slide or stop safely. Do not drift farther while the defense controls it.
Coaching Points
Use a soft, controlled rehearsal before involving a live throw and tag.
Common Mistakes
Permission to lead does not make every lead or return safe.
Alternative Considerations
This academy can use a feet-first training preference without claiming that the Majors head-first rule governs Intermediate.
Related rule or safety source: Leaving a base Balk
Finish line
You reached the end of Lesson 6 of 8: Base Running & Base Stealing
Go on to lesson 7, or return to the 50/70 Dugout. Review any part from the Sections menu.
Connect learning and practice
Practice this skill
Run through first or discuss a caught-fly retouch, using the actual runner rules.
Read the complete setup, equipment and stop instructions before activity. A missed question never prescribes extra throwing.