It’s your time to run for it. The pitch is speeding through the air, your heart is beating fast, and your legs are itching to move—your time to steal a base is now. Stealing a base is an art. It’s not just about running from one base to the next—it’s a strategic play of focus, speed, and confidence. This game-day play allows athletes to get one over on their opponent and advance their team. Get ready to make a break for it with adidas as we go over when and how to steal a base and base stealing rules.
And a quick reminder that in this editorial, we are talking about base stealing in the professional league. Different levels of the game have different rules. For example, junior league does not allow players to lead-off at certain levels, and you must wait until the ball crosses home plate to steal.
When Can You Steal A Base?
Baseball players can steal a base in several different situations. They can attempt to do so during the pitcher's wind-up or delivery phase—which encompasses the moments before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. They can also steal during a pick-off attempt, where the pitcher throws to a fielder to tag out another baserunner, or during a delayed steal—which occurs when the baserunner waits for the catcher to return the ball to the pitcher before making a sudden break for the next base, capitalizing on any hesitation or distraction from the defense. It's also worth noting that players have the opportunity to steal more than one base if they are unoccupied.
Can You Steal A Base On A Walk?
Yes, you can steal a base on a walk. In baseball, when a batter receives a walk, they are automatically awarded first base without needing to hit the ball. Baserunners advance only if the walk forces them to the next base. Initially, it may seem that baserunners cannot attempt a steal because there is no action on the ball during a walk. However, since the ball remains live after a walk, baserunners can attempt to steal a base.
Can You Steal A Base In Softball?
Yes, softball players can steal bases. However, unlike baseball players, they can’t take a lead-off while attempting to steal a base. They must stay on base until the pitcher delivers the ball.
How To Steal A Base
Mastering the art of base stealing requires precision, timing, and extreme athleticism. Follow the steps below to enhance your base stealing technique and increase your chances of success on the diamond.

Step 1: Read The Pitcher
Pay attention to the pitcher's movements. Focus on their delivery time and any tendencies they may have before throwing to the base or home plate.
Step 2: Lead-off
Take a lead-off from the base by standing a few feet away. This provides a head start for your sprint when attempting to steal.
Step 3: Get A Good Jump
As the pitcher begins the throwing motion, time your lead-off so that you have a quick start, known as getting a “good jump.”
Step 4: Sprint To The Next Base
Once you've started, sprint as quickly as possible to the next base. Your speed is crucial in outrunning any attempts to tag you out.
Step 5: Slide Into The Base
As you approach the base, execute a dive slide to avoid a tag. A properly executed slide not only increases your speed but also keeps you low to the ground, making it more challenging for the baseman to tag you out. Remember to tuck your shoulder and lead with your hands to protect yourself as you slide.
Base Stealing Rules
Understanding the rules of the mound will allow you steal a base correctly and advance your team closer to victory. Keep the following rules in mind when stealing a base.
- Lead-off: A baserunner can take a lead-off from any base before a pitch is delivered. The baserunner typically stands a few feet away from the base to gain a head start for their sprint when attempting to steal.
- Pickoff Attempts: A strategy to prevent the runner from stealing a base, the pitcher is permitted to attempt pickoff throws to any base to catch a baserunner off guard.
- Stealing Attempt: Baserunner can attempt to steal a base at any time between pitches. You don’t need to wait until the pitcher releases the ball.
- Pitcher's Responsibility: The pitcher must step directly toward the base they are throwing to during a pickoff attempt. If the pitcher fails to step directly toward the base, it may be considered a balk.
- Official Scorer's Decision: A stolen base is not automatically credited when a runner advances, the official scorer must also determine that the runner had been in attempt of a steal.
- Wild Pitches and Passed Balls: If a runner advances due to a wild pitch, which is a pitch so errant that the catcher is unable to control it, or a passed ball, which occurs when a catcher fails to hold or control a legally pitched ball, it is not considered a stolen base.
- Errors and Double Steals: A baserunner isn’t given credit for a steal if they safely advance but another runner also attempting to steal on the same play is thrown out.
Run For It!
Now that you know when and how to steal a base and the rules surrounding stealing a base, go for it. The next time you get the green light to run, do it with awareness, skill, and above all else, speed.
Whether you’re watching from the stands or playing on the diamond, understanding how steals work adds excitement and dimension to the game.