How to do a baseball slide

Step 1

The only thing you will need to learn how to slide is a baseball field and a base. It is highly recommended that you wear baseball pants that way you do not get hurt and it replicates the real thing. The main goal when sliding is to slide on part of your hamstring and your butt. This is known as a feet first slide. This slide is very common and highly recommended up to the age of 14. All kids under the age of 14 should slide feet first. From the high school level and up there is another slide known as the head first slide. This is a little more dangerous and a little harder to learn, but it is more popular in college and the pros. I will first talk about the feet first slide.

Step 2

First before you do any running and sliding, you should sit on the ground and just practice sitting in the right form. You can slide with your left foot forward, or your right foot forward, which ever you prefer. Lets say you want to have your left foot forward, this means that your right leg will be bent in so its like that leg is sitting cross legged. Your right foot will be tucked under your fully extended left leg. Another way to look at it is start by sitting down on your butt cross legged, and simply extend one leg and keep the other one tucked under. This is the form you want to have when sliding.

Step 3

Next we are going to add the running part. Start at first base and run towards second like you are stealing. Make sure you know what foot you want to have forward when starting your slide. Once you get about 10 feet from the bag, you will want to start your slide. Keep your dominant foot forward and tuck the other one under, being sure to have the majority of your weight on your butt and hamstring. It is important to slide at 10 feet, if you slide too early you will come up short of the base. If you slide too late, it could lead to injury such as the one I talked about in my story above.

Step 4

The last couple steps when sliding feet first, make sure you slide in a straight line with the base so you are able to get there and be safe. Another thing to be careful of when sliding feet first is to make sure you do not roll up on your hands in the process. A lot of guys like to use their hands as a brace, but sometimes that can lead to an injury so be careful of where they are during the slide. The biggest thing is to get in the right form and actually SLIDE on your butt and back of your legs.

Step 5

The more advanced slide is the head first slide which is done by more developed and advanced players. This is easier to explain and requires less steps. Picture Superman flying, this is all it is but on the ground. So, get your running start from first base, and when you get to about 12 feet jump forward and land on your stomach. You will be doing all of the sliding on your stomach and thighs. Keep your hands extended out in front of you that way you can get to the base quicker. It is important to start your slide at the right time here too otherwise the same consequences from the feet first slide could happen. Either coming up short or sliding too late and hitting the bag the wrong way

Step 6

A head first slide should only be done by players age 14 and up, and the players should have plenty of practice before attempting the slide in a game. Remember, make sure to get in the proper sliding form before you attempt to slide.