signals - how and what?

Question
I coach 10U boys, and this is the year when they start lead-offs and steals.  I would like to get them used to looking for "simple" signals so that they know what to do, but want to do it the right way.  What are some simple signals for batters and runners?  Who is the appropriate person to give these signals?  Any further direction would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Doug,

Signs are almost always given by the 3rd base coach. At that age, most coaches use really simple signs, such as touching the belt for bunt, leg for steal, and across the chest for hit & run. There are lots of ways for the kids to remember that (B for bunt, legs are for running so that means steal, etc).

The only problem with those signals is that everyone tends to use them, so that when you swipe your leg, everyone on the planet (including the other team) knows it's a steal! One way to get around that is to use an indicator, where no signs are valid until you touch a certain spot (the hat, for instance). The signal right after the indicator is the valid one, and all other signs don't mean anything. I'm not not if that would be too confusing for that age, but just a thought. There are lots of other more advanced ways to give signs that will need to be implemented as the kids get older, but keeping it simple now is probably best.

Mike Fortunato