"Coach Dunns Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE VIA THE MEASURED LEAD OFF

In baseball as in life, it is important to know where we are. Global Positioning System (GPS) devices have been developed to help us know our location; however, when taking a primary lead off first base most base runners have no idea where they are.

Their primary lead varies and usually is never the same distance from the base regardless of who the pitcher is. Because no GPS device is available to tell the base runner where he is when leading off first base, the MEASURE LEAD becomes the base runner's GPS.

The MEASURE LEAD is a method of determining distance from a base by taking a prescribed number of steps away from that base – in this case first base.

ADVANTAGES OF THE MEASURED LEAD

1. The base runner knows exactly where he is at all times…distance from the base.
2. The base runner takes the same lead off the base EVERY TIME…and then can adjust.
3. Eliminates haphazard leads off base.
4. The base runner does not have to "look back" toward the base to see where he is…looking back makes him vulnerable to the pick-off.
5. It standardizes the primary lead off regardless of playing field conditions…skinned infield vs. grass.

The MEASURED LEAD method of leading off base was first introduced to me by Tom Trebelhorn a former high school student and player of mine. Tom is a very bright an intelligent individual and following his graduation from Portland State University he entered professional baseball. Tom managed both the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs and is currently the "bench coach" for the Baltimore Orioles.

When leading off first base the base runner takes a prescribed number of steps off the base to establish his primary lead. As follows:

STEP….CROSSOVER….ADJUST

1. STEP – With the left foot in contact with first base and the body square to and facing the infield the base runner takes a sideways, lateral step with his right foot directly toward second base.

2. CROSSOVER – After the right foot hits the ground, a quick crossover step directly toward second base with the left foot follows.

   It is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that the base runner's body remains facing the infield and does not turn toward or face second base while making the crossover step.

   Turning the body toward second base during the crossover step will result in a loss of lateral movement and make the base runner vulnerable to being picked off first base.

   The crossover step is done very quickly and alertly. If done correctly, a pick off is highly unlikely.

3. ADJUST – The adjustment step completes the initial sequence. After the crossover step is completed, the base runner brings his left to his right foot in a closing action.

   The left foot replaces the right foot and the base runner steps out with his right foot toward second base and into an athletic stance. Once the base runner completes the measured lead off sequence, his leg foot will be approximately 9 to 10 feet from first base. From this distance a return to first base can be made "standing up!"

EXTENDING THE PRIMARY LEAD

To extend the primary lead the base runner moves his right foot toward second base and then closes with his left foot using a quick half step. The half step enables the base runner to maintain body control and quick lateral movement.

The extended lead will place the base runners left foot approximately 12 to 15 feet from first base. The limit of an individual base runners lead off will depend upon his ability and quickness and the pitcher's pick off move to first base. Trebelhorn stated, "When the base runner passes the 9 foot mark his legs must be ready to respond to an attempted pick off throw from the pitcher."

The base runner at first base must have his left foot on first base until he is certain the pitcher has the baseball, or that the pitcher steps on the pitching rubber. If the pitcher steps on the rubber without the baseball…IT IS A BALK!

The base runner takes his measured lead when the pitcher steps on the pitching rubber and is getting his sign from the catcher. The primary lead is taken early before the pitcher goes into his stretch. This safe guards against the pitcher making a quick pick off move while taking his stretch and catching the base runner off balance.

RETURNING TO FIRST BASE

The crossover step is the quickest and most powerful way to return to first base. The return to first base begins with a left foot pivot and a strong right leg crossover step.

Nine-Foot Lead – From this distance a return to first can be made standing up. A left foot pivot and a right leg crossover step followed by a step with the left foot to the back half of the base enables the base runner to return to first base standing up.

EXTENDED LEAD…12 TO 15 FEET – Once the base runner extends his primary lead past nine feet he must dive back to first base. The dive back to first base is a pivot on the left foot followed by a strong right leg crossover step and a dive to the right field side of first base. The base is touched with the out stretched right hand. The left hand should be out stretched to prevent finger injuries that could result if the left hand is under the body.

METHODS OF LEADING OFF FIRST BASE – The base runner takes his lead when the pitcher steps on the rubber and is getting his sign from the catcher.

1. LEADING OFF THE FRONT EDGE OF FIRST BASE:
   1. The base runner takes his primary lead off first base with his toes on a line that runs from the inside of first base to the inside of second base.
   2. The advantage of this method is that it creates an optical illusion and the runner appears to be closer to the base than he actually is.
   3. The primary lead appears shorter consequently fewer pick off attempts by the pitcher.
   4. The disadvantage of this method is the base runner is closer to the first baseman's tag and reaching for the base is more difficult as the first baseman may block off the base runners access to the base.
2. LEADING OFF THE BACK EDGE OF THE BASE:
   1. The base runner takes his primary lead off first base on a line that runs from the outside edge of first base to the outside edge of second base.
   2. The advantage of this method is that the base runner is not obstructed by the first baseman and is farther from his tag when returning to first base on a pitcher's pick off attempt.
   3. The disadvantage is the base runner by leading off the back edge of first base appears to have a longer lead off the base and consequently will likely draw more pick off throws.
3. LEADING OFF EVEN WITH THE BASE:
   1. Joe Morgan made this statement, "Be sure in leading off that you stay in a line even with the base, or a little bit forward of it. If you lead off behind the imaginary line between first and second it not only costs you extra steps but to the pitcher, it makes it seem as if there is a wider distance between you and the bag than there actually is. As a result, he's more likely to throw over."
   2. Leading off even with the base and in a direct line toward second base is probably the most satisfactory method for the majority of base runners. It is a compromise between the other two extremes.
   3. Returning to first base from this position, to the back of the base, is no problem and the lead off does not provoke an inordinate number of pick off attempts.

CONCLUSION:

The measured lead enables the base runner to develop a uniform and consistent lead off first base. It also enables the base runner to adjust his primary lead according to his individual quickness and daring.

Good Luck!

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.