Breaking that habit is definitely a real thing to getting to the next level.
Setting a time frame for the catcher is really important and is an executive thinking mental decision!
Seeing the runner and either firing directly back to the pitcher
or a back pic (to 2nd)or to Third Base.
Set the standard that the catcher needs to react within the same quick decision/ reaction moment firing to one of those locations.
Many times the only reason Runners are taking that giant lead off is because of the non-attack catcher standing chasing with the ball that is actually not scary and runner's know it.
Having a catcher that is on the attack from the very beginning of the game. By firing back to the pitcher (even without Runners on base) sets a better tone of an aggressive defense.
Things to help the catcher identify where to throw the ball.
Can work at practice catcher recognizing the distance the runner is off the bag. when the catcher comes up to fire they can look to see if the balance of the runner's body is going back towards second and they can throw threw/by the pitcher hard enough that it could go straight through to second if need be.
Make sure all defensive players are in athletic positions sprinting and ready to receive the ball directly after the batter does nothing. Critical visual importance for the catcher. Then the catcher needs to learn to be able to throw it when they aren't there yet. Support the catcher knowing she still needs to throw while the defense is learning to get there.
Additional thing that helps is when the catcher fires immediately back to the pitcher the pitcher should be aware **with her defense talking to her about the runner to be able to throw to Third and get the out should the runner be doing a delay steal.
* ball being back in the circle (as we know) forces the runner to do one thing or the other.
* Need to work the defense communicating to each other and keep the pace of Defense sharp and on the attack.
Catcher is by far the position I know least.
That said, we once played a game where the catcher fired the ball back to the pitcher with alarming speed. I mean I've watched hundreds of games and this easily caught my eye. I watched closely the whole game and the catcher firing back to the pitcher so fast definitely cut down on steals, delayed steals - shortened leadoffs, and just put an end to any dancing around in the base paths. I was impressed and meant to pass that along to my team.