In general, stealing third will always depend on many factors such as the pitchers delivery time, the catchers pop time, the score, the batter, etc. The following are basic guidelines based on number of outs.

No outs: Rarely if ever attempt to steal. Let the batter do the work in advancing the runners. Lead should be in the base path.

1 out: This is the best chance to steal. Lead should be in the base path.

2 Outs: Never risk ending an inning when in scoring position at 2nd. Take a lead back from the base path in order to have a better running path to home.