I use the term get back distance. It may be 1 step on an short popup to right (runner on 1b) or it might be around second base on a deep shot to left if there is no fence.
The more important thing is to learn how to read the ball. I hate seeing a ball that's clearly going to drop and having runners 2 steps away from the base. If you read it's going to drop take off. As you get older it's so much harder to steal so you need to take every base possible when it's available. You might occasionally see some fielder make an amazing play and get doubled off, but being able to take extra bases a high percentage of the time pays off. They need to be able to read it. There isn't time for the coach to convey it during the play.
The more important thing is to learn how to read the ball. I hate seeing a ball that's clearly going to drop and having runners 2 steps away from the base. If you read it's going to drop take off. As you get older it's so much harder to steal so you need to take every base possible when it's available. You might occasionally see some fielder make an amazing play and get doubled off, but being able to take extra bases a high percentage of the time pays off. They need to be able to read it. There isn't time for the coach to convey it during the play.
