Base Stealing 101

A good base stealer can change the tempo of the game, especially in the late innings.

Ozzie Smith stole 580 bases in his career and had an amazing successful rate of 79%!

Here are three tips that will improve your base stealing skills.

1. Be Confident - You must believe in your speed and ability and that you can run on any pitcher and catcher.

2. Be Smart - Being wise is as important to a base stealer as speed. You should get a good jump on a pitcher by studying his moves. As soon as a pitcher makes a move towards the plate, you should be off and running.

3. Speed Work - Improving your speed takes hard work and dedication. Running stairs and jumping rope are great ways to improve your speed and quickness.

Remember to work on your hitting skills because a high on-base percentage, good speed and great instincts are the keys to being fearless and having the presence to be very disruptive to pitchers when you get on base.