How to Teach Kids to Slide

In baseball, sliding can make the difference between scoring and getting out. In this sport, sliding literally refers to sliding into a base. While young baseball players may see the act performed by their baseball idols and may want to try it on their own, they should be taught how to slide properly to avoid injury. To dodge potential injury while teaching children how to slide, practice on a soft surface, such as a floor mat, before taking the child out to the ball field.

Things You'll Need

  • Floor mats
  • Masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up floor mats in an unobstructed area. Places to consider include an open field, a gym or any other open space where the child can run freely without possibly hitting something.

    • 2

      Place a piece of masking tape on the center of the mat. The tape will represent the base while the child is practicing sliding.

    • 3

      Practice sliding while standing on the mat. Instruct the child to tuck one leg behind her. With her hands up in the air and the other leg extended in front of her, she should fall onto the leg tucked behind her.

    • 4

      Allow the child to practice this falling action a few times until she feels comfortable with the action.

    • 5

      Practice sliding while jogging. Instruct the child to run onto the mat. As she approaches the tape, she should slightly bend the knee of the leg that is in front and extend it out toward the tape.

    • 6

      Explain to the child that just before he drops down to slide, he should tuck his other leg behind him and place his hands over his head like he did while practicing falling.

    • 7

      Allow the child to practice sliding while jogging. Once he gains confidence with the act of sliding, have him progress to running while sliding.