The primary lead is the lead off the base. The secondary lead is the few extra steps the runner takes after the pitcher releases the ball. If the catcher catches it cleanly, the runner stops. If the ball gets past the catcher, the runner is already moving and can advance.
What you need: A base, a coach to play pitcher, a partner to play catcher.
Setup: Runner on first. Pitcher 46 feet from home. Catcher behind home with a glove.
How to run it:
- Cue: Eyes, Drive, Touch, Brake. Eyes are on the catcher.
- Runner takes a primary lead of 8 feet from first.
- As the pitcher releases, the runner shuffle-steps two more times toward second. That’s the secondary lead. Eyes on the catcher.
- If the catcher catches cleanly, runner stops. If it gets past the catcher, runner goes.
- Do 6 reps. Sometimes the coach throws clean, sometimes throws a wild pitch.
What to watch: When the runner stops. They should stop the moment the catcher receives the ball, not before. Stopping too early means they miss out on free advances.
If they’re struggling: Drop the catcher. Just have them practice the timing of the secondary lead.
If they’ve got it: Add the steal sign. Sometimes the runner steals on the pitch, sometimes secondary lead. Read the sign and react.