Steal Coverage is a drill designed to teach middle infield responsibility on a steal attempt.  Long story short: one middle infielder will take the throw at the second base bag, while the other backs-up the play at the cut of the outfield grass.  But beyond that teaching point, this drill is a great multi-purpose activity: catchers throw, pitchers hold runners, first-basemen communicate, and baserunners run.  Coaches… well, coaches coach!

EXECUTION – This drill will involve 1-3 baserunning lines at first base.  Prior to assigning positions and breaking for repetitions, start with a group discussion.  The primary teaching point to this drill is steal coverage responsibility.  In a nutshell, the pull-side defender should stay put the longest.  Basically, the defense is assuming the batter will pull the ball more often than not.  So responsibility is as follows:

• Right-Handed Hitter – Second baseman takes the throw.  The shortstop (pull-side defender) will stay home a bit longer and back up the play.
• Left-Handed Hitter – Shortstop takes the throw. The second baseman (pull-side defender) will stay home a bit longer and back up the play.

Next, assign a single athlete to each position and the remaining athletes to first base to run (helmets on).  Working around the diamond:

• Baserunners – Steal sign is on!  Work on getting good jumps and reading the pitcher.  Stay wide of, and run past, the second base bag.
• First-Basemen – Hold runner and communicate the steal attempt: RUNNER!!!!
• Second-Basemen – Take throw on right-handed batters and back up the play with a left-handed hitter.  Communicate with open-mouth or closed-mouth.
• Shortstops – Back up the play with a right-handed batter and take throw with a left-handed hitter.  Communicate with open-mouth or closed-mouth.
• Pitchers – Throw strikes!! (Are pick-offs appropriate?!? Definitely not until all have had enough repetitions taking throws and working leads/breaks).
• Catchers – Throw down to second base.
• Coach – Stand in the batter’s box and switch frequently between a left-handed hitter and a right-handed hitter.

The typical communication technique between middle infielders is non-verbal.  Hiding the face with the glove, middle infielders close the mouth to signal their defensive partner they are taking the throw (closed mouth = me).  An open mouth means they will back up the play (open mouth = you).

DC KEYS

1. Rotate Positions – Outside of pitchers and catchers, rotate all the players between the defensive positions:  baserunner –> first base –> second base –> shortstop.
2. Catchers Throw (a lot) – It’s rare for catchers to have the opportunity to throw live.  Get them productive reps.
3. Baserunners Run Through and Behind the Base – Have baserunners stay clear of the second base bag.  Would be worthwhile to place a cone 5 feet behind the bag and have all athletes stay outside of that cone.

EQUIPMENT LIST