This lesson series on getting around the bases covers tips for arrivals and departures from each base (from lead-offs to slides). And it also includes training techniques for increasing speed between bags.

Of course, none of that will matter, if runners don't reach first base. So we start by looking at some tips to help you beat out close plays down the line.

However, before you get too committed to the expectation that you can make everyone on your team a speed demon, remember that not everyone is a power hitter either. That's why your batting order needs to consider the mix of bat power and base speed. If you improve the slowest runners, you should also work to improve your current fastest base-stealers.

A final note before we get started...

A sign means what it says, it is NOT optional. We keep it simple - signs for special situations only, a decoy for everything else. The system includes...

• Essential calls: steal, bunt, hit-and-run.
• A regular indicator right before to flag the sign
• A wipe-off indicator to remove a sign
• A special indicator which turns the normal call into a special call - for example the steal becomes a delayed double steal; the bunt, a squeeze bunt.

See our detailed page on Sign Systems.