Holding runners and the slide step

Setup

1. Pitchers have already done a full arm warm-up. Every throw in this drill, including throws to first, goes on that pitcher's count for the day; follow your age-based pitch count and rest-day guidelines.
2. One pitcher on the mound working from the stretch, a catcher in full gear, a first baser holding the runner and runners in batting helmets lined up behind first in foul ground.
3. A coach stands in foul ground near home with a stopwatch to time each slide step from the pitcher's first movement to the catcher's glove.
4. Each pitcher throws a set of about 10 to 15 throws, then swaps out. Check your league's rules if runners aren't allowed to lead off at your level.

How it runs

1. The runner takes a primary lead. The pitcher comes set and holds the ball for a different length each time: a quick one-count, a long three-count, or a step-off.
2. If the runner's lead is too big, the pitcher throws over to first with a quick, firm throw, stepping directly towards the base. The first baser tags low on the back corner.
3. The ball goes back to the pitcher, who comes set again while the runner returns to the primary lead.
4. Next pitch, the pitcher uses a slide step: a short, low stride to the plate instead of a full leg lift. The coach times it.
5. The runner takes a secondary lead on each pitch, and now and then goes on a steal so the catcher can practise the throw to second (add a shortstop or second baser to cover the base if you have one). Rotate runners every three pitches.

Coaching points

• Come to a complete, clear stop in the set position before every pitch. Not stopping is a balk and every runner moves up a base.
• To throw over from the rubber, step directly towards first with the front foot. Under most rules a pitcher on the rubber can't fake a throw to first; faking to third is also a balk under many rules. Check your competition's rules.
• To fake or simply reset, step off the rubber with the back foot first. Once off, the pitcher is an infielder and can throw or fake anywhere.
• Left-handers: once the front leg swings past the back edge of the rubber, the pitch must go home.
• Never fall into a pattern. Vary the hold time and look over to first without moving the shoulders towards it.
• Slide step: lower the knee lift, but keep the arm on time and finish the pitch. A quick time is only useful if the pitch still finds the zone.
• As a guide, many older teenage pitchers aim for about 1.3 to 1.5 seconds from first movement to the catcher's glove. Get quicker steadily; don't sacrifice mechanics.

Common mistakes

• Holding for exactly the same time every pitch, so the runner can time the go.
• Not coming to a complete stop and being called for a balk.
• Slide step so rushed that the arm drags behind and the pitch sails high.
• Lobbing the throw to first, so it is easy to beat.
• First baser tagging high or reaching across the runner instead of dropping the tag on the base.