Breaks are essentially steal first-movements, done without a lead.  For those athletes that can NOT leadoff, breaks work the athletic position at the base, timing a first step off of a verbal or thrown baseball, and train agility and explosive movements.  They are to be run during Early Baserunning or end-of-practice Baserunning, as an intro to stealing.

EXECUTION – Run Breaks at the Warm Up cones.  To begin the drill, run 4-6 sprints with only a coach’s verbal to initiate the sprint.  Then, introduce the rules of non-stealing breaks.  This level of baseball says that the baserunner can leave the bag when the ball crosses home plate.  So, as long as two coaches are present, one can assume the catcher position and crouch just behind the foul line.  The other coach acts as the pitcher, and delivers a soft pitch to the catcher.  Athletes lined up on the foul line get a game-like look and can practice breaking as the ball crosses home plate.  

• How – Stay Low and Go!  Remember, the Airplane vs. Helicopter analogy to describe an athlete’s first 3-4 steps.
• When – Ball crosses home plate.
• Where – Use foul line.
• Look In – Check for action of the play, and then pick up coach.

DC KEYS

1. Teach – Explain how stealing works… and what they are training towards.
2. Use Foul Line – Create a similar look as runner at first looking in to catcher / batter.
3. Stealing – Good opportunity to think through your coaching philosophy.  What will your rules be for stealing runner?  Does hitter have take sign, etc?

EQUIPMENT LIST