Friday Base Running Secrets –Developing Necessary Major League Sliding Instincts
One of my favorite plays when I played major league baseball was sliding into a base. Choosing the correct sliding technique and direction based on the play at hand took skill that is not as easy as it may appear. Developing major league sliding instincts requires a good amount of concentration, often missing with players.
major league sliding tips
Some ballplayers have a knack for sliding, whereas others do not have good sliding instincts. For all players, sliding, like all aspects of baseball, is a skill that requires practice. There are different major league sliding techniques available to runners with the best technique determined by the play and/or direction of the throw.
Major League Sliding Tips
- Do not slide into first base, unless avoiding a tag
- Do not slow up before sliding
- Once make up mind to slide, do it – changing mind at last second often leads to injury
- Do not set hand(s) on ground when sliding
- Feet first on the rear end is recommended for most base runners and most slides
- Late slides are best when stealing bases, but not to where players slide past the base
- Pop up slides are crucial for stopping quickly and advancing on noticed errant throws
- Fade away slides are important for close plays when the direction of throw is evident
- Never slide head first into home if possible
- Do not set hand(s) on ground when sliding
- Do not trust fielders who act like a throw is not coming