Proper Sliding in Little League

Sliding allows base runners to stop on a base without losing their speed or momentum and also adds excitement to little league baseball games. Base runners use various slides depending on the nature of a play and what they want to accomplish. Although this baseball skill gives little league players an advantage on the field, they sometimes feel intimidated by the idea of sliding. Once little leaguers master the proper slide, they will gain confidence and perform better on game days.

  1. Sliding Safety

    • Approximately 22 percent of little league injuries result from base running with slides. All little league coaches must ensure the safety of the players by teaching them safe ways to slide. Coaches should stay updated with sliding safety issues so they can review them during practice. Little league players stay safe on the field when runners slide properly and basemen stay out of their way. To prevent foot and leg injuries, use breakaway bases that move upon hard contact.

    Bent Leg and Pop-Up Slides

    • Runners use the "bent leg" and "pop-up" slides to reach the base before the ball does. To achieve a proper "bent leg slide," runners exhibit a controlled fall by running and sitting at full speed while folding one leg under the other, creating a figure four. The runner should flex the top leg and ensure it touches the base first with toes up. To keep proper form, they will keep their head and arms up while focusing on the base. Use the same form for the "pop-up slide" but slide harder and use the calf of your bent leg to push up into a standing position.

    Hook and Backdoor Slides

    • The "hook slide" and "backdoor slide" both help runners avoid a tag when the baseman already has the ball. To perform a "hook slide," the runner will use the technique of a "bent leg slide" but slide to the side of a base rather than approaching it head on. For this slide, the bent leg will touch the base allowing the runner to have minimal contact with the baseman. Use the same technique of sliding away from the bag to execute the "backdoor slide," but touch the base with your hand rather than leg.

    Drills

    • To get familiar with the different types of slides and know when to use them, little league players should do sliding drills during practice. To ease players into the act of sliding, allow them to slide onto large cardboard boxes out on the grass or slide around wet grass on a rainy day. These surfaces present less friction and allow players to focus on technique without worrying about the hard dirt surface.