Executing A Delay Steal Properly

Executing A Delay Steal Properly
By Jim Bain

The Delay Steal is not usually a type of steal you can utilize successfully against a well coached team. However, even the best teams are subject to mental lapses and that's when you capitalize on it.

What is a delayed steal? Perhaps a better name for this type of steal would have been surprise steal.
It's a steal which occurs in an unusual fashion and time. Great! What does that mean?

Let's assume the opposing team's 300 lb. catcher has just drawn a walk. Would you seriously consider him a base stealing threat? Of course not. But, what if that 300 lb runner, who absolutely nobody paid any attention, suddenly took off for second base. There would be a moment of hesitation, disbelief, of what was happening. This moment may be all he needs to steal the base.

That's why a delay steal can, at times, be very effective.

A delay steal is usually attempted with only a runner on first, but does not exclude other runner being on base, especially third base.

The base runner Must be very observant of the other team's actions in between pitches. This means watching them the entire game, not just when you're on base.

Remember I said delay stealing is hard to do against a well coached team? It's because the players are always aware of what's happening on the field of play. The shortstop will take a couple of steps toward the pitcher to protect from an over throw from the catcher.
The second baseman will glance at the base runner, while the catcher and first baseman watch the runner out of the corner of their eye. All eyes are upon the base runner, there's no chance for a successful delay steal.

However, let's take a look at another scenario.

The pitcher is struggling to find the strike zone. The catcher, as they will do a lot, will fire the ball back to the pitcher, as if wanting to wake him up and correct his wildness.

The second baseman and shortstop turn their backs to the pitcher and return to their normal fielding position after moving forward with the pitch.

Everyone is either pre-occupied, frustrated or otherwise not paying attention. This is when you strike.

Confident the infielders will not change their in between pitch routine, you decide to steal. Take your normal lead off, then secondary lead off. This time instead of scurrying back to first base after the pitch, you stay at your secondary lead position.

***You must be an actor at this point. Do nothing, jerk or move towards second base, which would draw the catcher's attention.***

As the catcher releases the ball, make sure he's throwing back to the pitcher, you take off for second base. You already have a good secondary lead, your cross step has you directly in line with second base and at full speed.

The entire infield must immediately wake up and move when they realize you're stealing. 99% of the time, if you've analyzed the situation correctly, there won't even be a throw to second.

The pitcher will not be in a good throwing position when he receives the ball. The shortstop and second baseman will be out of position and unable to cover the base for a throw ahead of you. Unless you trip and fall, you have just stolen second base.

Sounds easy...it's not, but there's definitely a time and a situation which will call for using a delay steal.

Jim Bain - Former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth. Visit his exciting info packed website: http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

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Youth Baseball Digest - 5 Safety Rules That Must Be Followed by Every Little League Team

Youth Baseball Digest - 5 Safety Rules That Must Be Followed by Every Little League Team
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Player and coach safety must be the concern of every Little League Baseball Coach. All youth baseball coaches must establish certain team rules to insure the safety of both the players and the coaches. There are 5 basic safety rules that help protect players are coaches. This article outlines each of those 5 safety rules.

1. Players must have permission to swing a bat. The most dangerous action that takes place on a baseball field is the swing of a bat. Many injuries occur every year when a player walks into a swing zone when another player is swinging the bat. Players must understand the dangers involved if every player can swing a bat any time they want. They must understand that the only time they are allowed to swing a bat is when they are on deck, in the batter's box, or participating in a drill. At all other times their bat is to be left alone or in their bat bag.

2. Have players have eye contact with the coach before throwing a ball to the coach. Many coaches have been hit unexpectedly by a ball thrown by a player throwing a ball back in during batting practice. Players must have permission to throw a ball to a coach and call the number of throws. The coach should ask the player how many balls he has. The player should say if he gas 3 balls, 2 balls, or 1 ball before he throws the ball or balls to the coach.

3. Maintain a cleared safety zone around the batter. - No one stands behind or near the batter during batting practice. The area behind the batter should be kept clear of coaches and players. There is a constant danger of being hit by a ball or a swung bat if players and coaches do not maintain a clear safety zone around the batter.

4. Batting helmets must be worn at all times when batting or running the bases during practice. - If a coach allows a single player to bat or run the bases when live hitting is be done, that coach is asking for a liability issue or lawsuit. Player should always wear their batting helmets to prevent head or face injury from a wild throw or hit ball.

5. The floor must be kept clear of balls and bats. - The floor is the floor of the dugout and the floor of the batting box. A coach must take on the responsibility of watching for stray balls under the feet of the batter during batting practice. The walk way to and inside the dugout should be kept neat and clear of bats and balls. This rule is enforced to prevent a leg or ankle injury from occurring should a player step onto a ball or bat.

If these safety rules are made and followed by your team, they could prevent an injury or accident. I hope that you found this article informative and helpful. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Good luck to you and your team.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty. Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

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Baseball Coaching Digest: Defending the First and Third Early Break Play

Baseball Coaching Digest: Defending the First and Third Early Break Play
By: Nick Dixon

One of the plays that teams will run with runners at first and third base is to have the first base runner early break. This article outlines this play and the best ways to defend against it.

You have seen the play ran over and over. There are base runners on first base and third base. The runner at first base break early before the pitcher even begins his motion. The pitcher steps off, throws the ball to the second baseman the runner breaks back toward first base. The second baseman throws the ball to the first baseman. The runner at third, who has been creeping slowly down the line, breaks for home, when the second baseman releases the ball. The first baseman catches the ball, turns to throw to the plate, the ball arrives late, the third base runner scores. How do you stop this play?

To know defend this play you must first know why the offense runs it and what their goals are. The offensive team's goals in order of priority are:

1.Score the runner at third with a late throw to the plate. If your pitcher throws the ball to the middle infielder, the runner at third will in most cases break for home when the ball leaves the middle infielders hand. The offense knows that the first baseman must catch the ball, turn, and throw. In most cases, that process takes too long. The throw home will always be late.
2.Score the runner at third with a balk. - Another goal of the early breaking runner at first base is to force the pitcher to balk. This action would move both runners and score the run.
3.Get both runners into scoring position without a threat of the first base runner being thrown out. The offensive team knows that the defense will not contest the early breaking runner, so they use this tactic as a safe way to steal second and to get both runners into scoring position.

What should the defensive team do to stop the play and to prevent a run form scoring?

Here are the three recommended actions and the results each causes:

1.Give the base up uncontested. This is the safest method if you feel that your pitcher can get the batter out at the plate. Of course if there are no outs or one out, you may not want to let the runner move to second base without action.

2.Run a cut play with the pitcher throwing the ball to the second baseman. The second base man will charge toward third base. He will catch the ball throw from the pitcher and immediately throw the ball to the third baseman or run at the third base runner in an attempt to catch him off a bag and to get him out.

3.Pitcher throws the ball to the second baseman, after checking the runner at third base. The second baseman will not throw the ball to the first baseman but will rather, keep his shoulders turned in a position allowing a throw to the plate, and slowly walk the runner back to first base. There is no throw made thus the runner at third base does not have the opportunity to break to home.

4.The Pitcher full arm fakes to second base and immediately throws to the third baseman. In many cases, the runner at third base will "bite" on the full arm fake to second base and will come off a few steps toward home. This movement toward home is often enough to allow the pitcher to pick him off third or to catch him off third with an opportunity to get an out in a run down situation.


I hope that this article is helpful and informative. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Have a great day, Nick.


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Baseball Coaching Digest - Team Making Too Many Errors? Two Great Mid Season Team Defensive Drills

Baseball Coaching Digest - Team Making Too Many Errors? Two Great Mid Season Team Defensive Drills
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Team defensive baseball drills should be a daily routine for your baseball team. Team defensive drills make your players execute and perform under pressure more than regular ground ball drills. These two team defensive baseball drills are excellent ways to build defensive skills, build confidence, and to improve mental concentration. The two drills are: 1) Infield Live Batting Drill 2) Live Game Action Drill.

If you incorporate these two drills into your baseball practice routine, I am confident that you will see an improvement in your team defensive play and a reduction in errors.

Infield Live Batting Drill - Your infield players will be in their regular positions and they will be making the plays. Your outfield will be the base runners. The coach hits the ball. When the coach hits the ball, the base runners will run to first. If the runner is safe, the runner is on first base. You will keep hitting balls until the infielder record three outs. The infielders must talk during this drill to make sure they know where the runners are, how many outs there are, and where the play should be made. For example, with bases loaded and two outs, the players will say "take it to the easiest base or that the play is at one".

This baseball drill has multiple purposes. The outfielders can improve their base running skills also. You will clear the bases after each three outs. The coach can also lay down bunts to check bunt coverage. Make sure to mark a starting spot for the base runners. Make sure that the runners wear helmets during this drill.

It is recommended that you perform this drill for 21 outs at least two days a week.

Live Game Action Drill - This drill is performed with all players at their defensive positions. You will have 5 or 6 players running the bases while your infielders make plays. The coach will hit the ball in this drill with the base runners going as far as the hit ball will allow them. The players must execute, communicate, and stay alert mentally during this drill. You will clear the baseball after each three outs. Normally you will require your team to do this drill for 21 outs two days a week. Make sure to mark a starting spot for the base runners. Make sure that the runners wear helmets during this drill.

I hope that these two drills prove to be useful in helping your team improve defensive play. Thanks for taking the time to read this article. For more articles like it, you can visit the Baseball Coaching Digest, Youth Baseball Digest, and Little League Digest. Good Luck to You and Your Team. Have a great day, Nick

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon