How to Slide Into a Base in Softball

Sliding into a base during softball offers the runner and the team a huge advantage in stealing bases and moving players around the bases. It even makes the game more aggressive and competitive when done effectively, as explained in these steps.

Instructions

    • 1

      Listen to your base coach once you get on base, so when you steal or run on a hit, you know if you need to slide into second or third base.

    • 2

      Run fast and hard to make an effective slide where you actually have enough momentum to carry your body into the base. Sliding into a base needs to be done this way to advance around the bases.

    • 3

      Start sliding feet first into the base when you are about 2 to 3 feet away from the base.

    • 4

      Land on the side of your thigh to slide into the bag. The other leg needs to bend into your sliding leg like a figure 4.

    • 5

      Keep your hands up from the ground to maintain the speed of your slide into the base. Straighten out your arms so they align with the sliding leg. This keeps the momentum of the slide going.

    • 6

      Slide into the base and wait for the umpire's call. As you get up, stay in contact with the base. If you get off the base while standing up, a smart fielder knows to watch and tag you out. Wait for the umpire to call "time out" or the fielder to throw the ball back. Then relax enough to shake the dust off your uniform.