Players should remember that the catcher must throw a greater distance to second base than to any other, exactly 127.26 feet from the plate. If the runner has a 15-foot lead, he has to run only 75 feet. The race is almost always a tie.
Good base runners at all levels of the game learn to study the peculiarities of each pitcher they face. No two pitchers will be exactly alike. The runner must first find out how much lead each pitcher will allow before he throws over to first base on a pickoff attempt. Most teams find that 10 feet is the maximum. Remember, the runner does not steal on the catcher. He always steals on the pitcher.
Be sure the runner steps in a direct line toward second base. Watch the pitcher's right shoulder carefully. He will usually move that part of his body first. The shoulder has to come around toward the runner before the pitcher can make the pickoff throw. Very few lefties can get much of a pickoff throw to first base and keep both shoulders in line with home plate. Excellent pickoff moves by lefties usually fool the runner with the leg kick. Watch the lower leg and foot. At the highest point of the pitcher's leg kick, the runner will see the leg move very slightly toward him. Don't watch the knee only, but the knee, lower leg, and foot. If the runner sees either the right shoulder move or the leg and knee kick toward him, he should get back fast.
Of course, when running from first base, the runner learns that he cannot take as much lead off first on a leftie as he can on a rightie. Lefties are open to the runner. They can see the runner at all parts of their stretch and delivery.
Excerpt from Ch. 5, pgs. 125, 128
Runners can take longer leads (no more than 14 feet) and get a better jump on the right-hander, because the pitcher's back is turned to him. Right-handed pitchers usually throw to first base less often than a left-hander will. Again, step directly toward second base and watch the pitcher's left shoulder carefully. The pitcher must usually move that part of the body first in order to deliver the pickoff throw.
Remember that righties pick off with sheer quickness those runners who take too big a lead, but lefties do it with a deceptive move. Don't get caught leaning on any type of pitcher. Keep your body weight on your feet and toes so you can break either left or right with equal speed. Remember, too, that when a right-hander lifts his leg, he is delivering to the plate. Otherwise, he would have to balk. Runners who steal off right-handers do so by taking advantage of a weakness in the pitcher's delivery. If they want to improve their stealing, runners must learn to study the pitcher very carefully.
Excerpt from Ch. 5, pgs. 129