What should a runner look for while leading off and preparing to steal?

What to look for depends on the pitcher and his motion.

Yes, the pitcher must step off with his pivot foot first if in the windup.

For a right hander with a runner on first, the runner usually looks at the pitcher's lift leg. If that comes up, the pitcher must go home (unless there are other runners on base). Some very observant runners (and base coaches) watch the righthnader's front shoulder or look for the "break" at the knee of the pivot leg.

Remember, the right handed pitcher has a few tricks he can pull. He can continue his motion and turn toward second (he does not have to throw) as long as it is one smooth turning motion. He can also "fake" a throw to third if a runner is there like a left hander throwing to first (he can then pivot and fire to first to catch the unwary runner).

For a left handed pitcher, most bets are off. They commonly employ the "balk" move by picking up their kick leg and throwing to first. IF the umpire knows what to look for, the pitcher MUST step toward first and CANNOT bring his kick leg knee or ankle behind the rubber (if he does he has to go home). Unfortunately, lefties get away with murder and umpires rarely know what to look for or call balks even if they do.

Against lefties, you can either guess or wait a split second for the "tip off". If the kick leg breaks the plane of the rubber (goes behind the imaginary line between it and first base), he has to throw home. If he steps toward home, he has to throw home. If neither of those occur, he can pretty much do as he likes. Remember, though, that he cannot "fake" a throw to first base if he is on the rubber.

Lefties can also do the one motion turn toward second. A righthander throwing or faking to third using a "balk" move is governed by the same rules as a lefty throwing to first.

Good, savvy pitchers will disrupt your running game every time, especially left handers. However, pitchers that are inexpereinced or do not have the right mental outlook can be thrown off their game by your running attack.

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