At second base, you can usually take a bigger lead than at first because no fielder stands on the bag to hold you. Most runners take a primary lead of about four to five steps, often slightly behind the baseline, watching the pitcher while the third-base coach helps track the middle infielders. The main goal from second is to score on a single, so your lead depth, your secondary lead, and your read of the ball off the bat all matter. Adjust the lead by the number of outs: stay closer to the baseline with no outs, and go deeper and farther behind the line with two outs to set up a better angle for rounding third base.
Rulebook note: leadoff and stealing rules vary by level. Many youth leagues, including younger Little League divisions, do not allow runners to leave the base until the pitch reaches the batter. MLB also limits how often pitchers may disengage from the rubber. Check the rules for your league.
Why the lead at second is different
At first base, the first baseman usually holds the runner, and the pitcher can see the runner easily. At second, the middle infielders move around behind the runner, and the pitcher must turn to throw a pickoff. This gives the runner room to take a larger lead, but it also creates the risk of a sneaky pickoff from an infielder who breaks to the bag. Because you are already in scoring position, getting a good jump on hits to the outfield can be the difference between scoring and stopping at third.
How to take a primary lead
- Check the situation. Know the outs, the count, the score, and where the outfielders are playing before you leave the base.
- Get the sign. Look to the third-base coach for signs before stepping off.
- Step off with your eyes on the pitcher. Shuffle or walk out to your lead without looking away from the pitcher.
- Set your depth. Take about four to five steps, positioning yourself on or slightly behind the baseline depending on the outs.
- Listen to your coach. The third-base coach can call out whether the shortstop or second baseman is close to the bag.
- Stay athletic. Keep your weight balanced on the balls of your feet, ready to go either way.
Lead by outs
| Outs | Lead | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Straight line, moderate size | Avoid being picked off; advance on ground balls to the right side and be ready to tag on deep fly balls |
| 1 | A little deeper | Be ready to score on base hits while still reading ground balls |
| 2 | Deeper and behind the baseline | Run on contact and take a better angle to round third and score on a single |
The secondary lead
As the pitcher commits to home plate, take a few quick shuffle steps toward third base, timing them so you are balanced as the ball reaches the hitting zone. This secondary lead gains ground and positions you to react. If the ball is not put in play, stop and return promptly to avoid a throw from the catcher.
Reading the ball from second
| Batted ball | Typical read with fewer than two outs |
|---|---|
| Ground ball to the right side | Advance to third, since the throw is usually going to first |
| Ground ball to shortstop or third base in front of you | Usually hold unless the fielder moves away or the ball gets through |
| Ground ball through the infield | Run hard and look to the third-base coach about scoring |
| Line drive | Freeze until you know it is not caught, to avoid being doubled off |
| Deep fly ball | Go back to second and tag up, ready to advance after the catch |
| Shallow fly ball | Go partway and return if caught |
With two outs, run on any contact, because a caught ball ends the inning.
Reading pickoff threats
Pickoffs at second are usually timed plays between the pitcher and a middle infielder. The shortstop or second baseman may sneak toward the bag behind the runner, or the pitcher may make a spin move. Watch for infielders who are unusually close to the base, and trust your coach’s calls. A common approach is to take a lead you can return from quickly with one or two crossover steps, and never let an infielder get between you and the base unnoticed.
Stealing third base
Stealing third can be valuable because it lets a runner score on sacrifice flies, wild pitches, passed balls, and many ground balls. Runners often steal third off pitchers who pay little attention to them or who have slow deliveries. Because the catcher’s throw to third is shorter than to second, runners need a strong jump, usually from a good secondary lead combined with a read of the pitcher’s first move to the plate. Coaches often consider the classic advice not to make the first or third out at third base when deciding whether to steal.
Rounding third on a single
Scoring from second on a single depends on your jump, your route, and the outfielder’s arm. Take a slightly curved path so you hit the inside corner of third base with good speed. Pick up the third-base coach early, since they will signal whether to hold, go, or slide. Deeper, behind-the-line leads with two outs help create a better angle around third.
Drills to improve leads at second
- Pickoff awareness drill. Middle infielders attempt timed pickoffs while runners practice leads and returns.
- Read drill. A coach hits or tosses balls to different areas while runners decide whether to go, hold, or tag.
- Rounding third. Runners practice scoring from second with a proper arc around third base.
- Steal of third jumps. Work on reading the pitcher and getting a strong first step toward third.
Common mistakes
- Losing track of the middle infielders. Listen to your coach and glance at your surroundings before the pitch.
- Taking the same lead in every situation. Adjust depth to the number of outs.
- Getting doubled off on line drives. Freeze until the ball goes through.
- Running on a ground ball in front of you. With fewer than two outs, this often leads to an easy out at third.
- Forgetting to tag on deep fly balls. Return to the base when a catch looks likely.
- Ignoring the third-base coach. Pick up the coach early when rounding third.
- Making the first or third out at third base. Weigh the risk before trying to advance.
Frequently asked questions
How big of a lead should you take at second base?
Many runners take about four to five steps, adjusting depth by the number of outs. With two outs, runners often go deeper and behind the baseline to improve their angle to score.
Why do runners take a deeper lead at second with two outs?
With two outs, runners run on contact and do not need to worry about being doubled off, so a deeper lead behind the line helps them round third and score on a single.
What should a runner on second do on a ground ball?
With fewer than two outs, advance on ground balls hit to the right side. On balls hit in front of you to the left side, usually hold unless the ball gets through or the fielder moves away from you.
