Slide in Softball

Reach the bases faster in softball by learning how to slide. Sliding increases your speed by causing you to fall to the ground as you run.[1] Make sure to use the correct form to reduce the risk of injury. [2] Learn how to do the basic slide, the hook slide, and the head first dive by reading this article.

Steps

Doing a Basic Slide

  1. Sprint at full speed to the next base. Learn this slide before you try to do a more complicated slide.[3]
    • Don’t be afraid to get dirty.[2]
    • Wear pants so that you don’t injure your legs. Consider wearing sliding pants or sliding shorts underneath your pants if you’re worried about being injured.
  2. Start sliding about 4 to 5 steps away from the base.
    • Start your slide by bending your knees. Make sure to do the following:
    • Shift your weight to the left side of your body.
    • Bend your left knee and make the shape of a 4 by tucking your left leg underneath your right leg, which should be extended straight forward.[2]
    • Shift your weight to your left leg.
  3. Lean back as you finish your slide. Follow these instructions:
    • Don’t slide into the base in a sitting position.
    • Keep your arms behind you and try not to wave them in the air.
    • Don't drag your hands or arms on the ground during your slide.
    • Let the momentum of your sprint propel you to the base.
    • Touch the corner of the base with your right leg first.

Doing a Hook Slide

  1. Do this slide if you want to avoid getting tagged. Slide around the side of the base to avoid the tag.
    • Be aware that this slide takes some practice.
    • Practice this slide until you can touch the base without sliding past it.
  2. Start your slide 2 to 3 steps away from the base.[1]
    • Don’t slide directly into the base.
    • Slide towards the outside of the base.
  3. Finish your slide by sliding past the base. Make sure to do the following:
    • Make sure to grab the base with your left hand as you slide past.
    • Drag your left hand across home plate instead of grabbing it.
    • Shift your body weight to your left leg.
  4. Don’t stand up until the umpire calls you safe. Keep the following in mind:
    • Try to get the umpire’s attention if he doesn’t see you right away.
    • Make sure to be ready for the next play after you stand up.

Doing a Head First Dive

  1. Learn the most advanced form of sliding. Do the head first dive to get to base faster while avoiding a tag.
    • Keep in mind that doing a head first dive requires lots of practice.
    • Don’t do this slide in a game, unless you know how to do it properly.
    • Reduce the risk of injury while diving by tucking in your shirt and wearing batting gloves, and a helmet. [2]
  2. Start the dive by pivoting your feet back towards the base. Make sure you dive correctly by following these instructions:
    • Lead with the left side of your body.
    • Lean forward.
    • Take one stride back to the base if you have time before making the dive.
  3. Make sure that your right arm is extended towards the base as you finish the dive. Don’t touch the ground until you reach the base.[1]
    • Avoid the tag by touching the outside corner of the base.

Tips

  1. Remember that sliding is a skill that takes a long time to perfect.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.ncaa.org/championships/playing-rules/softball-rules-game
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://softball.isport.com/softball-guides/how-to-slide-in-softball
  3. ↑ http://www.sa.utep.edu/rsd/softball

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