Different Primary Leads to Prevent False Steps at First Base

The end goal for any base-runner is to go as quickly as possible in order to gain as much ground as possible in order to maximize an offense's run scoring. For years it was believed that there was only one way to lead off of first base. While that lead works, it doesn't work for every single base-runner. Any step that isn't going forward is known as a false step and loses positive momentum for a base-runner. This is a huge disadvantage for an offense because it prevents the opportunity to gain as many bases as possible. In this post I will go over the traditional lead, the open hip lead, and the wide-receiver lead and how to find out which lead works best for each of your players. 

Traditional Lead

(The base-runner will take a lead off of the back left corner of first base)

The traditional lead starts with the base-runner on the back left side corner of first base. This prevents the first baseman an easy tag on a pickoff throw from either the pitcher or catcher. Then the base-runner will lead off of first base with a right step, left step, right step, and two shuffles towards second base. The goal for the base-runner is to get off of the base  at least 10-12 feet. In other words, you want the base-runner to be off the base far enough to where he can take a step and a dive back to the back edge of the base. After the pitch has been delivered to the plate the base-runner will take two extra shuffles towards second base. You want to gain ground, but not enough ground where the catcher can potentially pick off the base-runner. 

(The runner at first base will dive back to the back corner to prevent getting picked off)

Open Hip Lead

The next lead is very similar to the traditional lead. The base-runner will lead off the back edge of first base with a right step, left step, and two shuffle primary lead. The runner will take two extra shuffles towards second base for his secondary lead. In this lead, the base-runner wants to get off of first base 10-12 feet or a step and a dive's length back to first base. 

The only difference in this lead is that the two feet of the base-runner will be slightly pointed towards second and the front hip open. The base-runner does this to have an easier first move towards second base in case of stealing. This primary lead has become more prevalent in baseball, and odds are you have noticed a base-runner doing this when watching a game. 

Wide Receiver Lead

This last lead is useful to use for a player who hasn't played baseball much, but is an athlete who runs well. The base-runner leads off of the back left corner off first base like a softball player would be standing on first base (or like a wide receiver). The maximum distance the base-runner will get off of first base in this stance is 6-7 feet. The reason why the base-runner doesn't get off of first base as far as the other leads is because it won't draw a throw over from the pitcher or catcher. College programs who have used this lead have said that they haven't had a base-runner picked off. When not stealing the base-runner will take two shuffles out of this stance when in the secondary lead. 

(The base-runner leads off of first base like the softball player above in the Wide Receiver Lead)

How to Find the Proper Primary Lead

The best way to find the proper lead for each player on your team is through trial and error. Have your players take primary and secondary leads and steals out of each of these primary leads three times. The reason why you have them go three times is for the players to understand what they are feeling. For the coach I suggest that you take videos of each of these shuffles and steals on your phone or off of a camera on a tripod. Make sure to gain feedback from your players on what feels best for them and from what the video will tell you. In the video you are not looking for a halt in the first move towards second base. You want your base-runners to have a smooth first move towards second so that it is possible to get as many bases as possible. Finding the proper lead will take some time, but it is worthwhle because it will allow your base-runners the opprotunity to run well at full speed. Show your players each of these leads, gain their feedback, and look at the video evidence to find what works best for each player on your team.