One will have to slide when trying to get into a baseball base. And as you slide, you can avoid getting tagged and maintain contact with the bag. More so, sliding is often used to redirect or stop the momentum. It is also used in breaking up double plays on the bases. While there are plenty of reasons why sliding is done, people need guidance on how to slide head first in baseball.
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Sliding head first in baseball
Before we delve into how to slide head-first in baseball, you should understand that the head-first slide is a different posture.
It would help if you slid like you were trying to dive into a pool. It takes throwing your upper body and hands ahead of your lower body.
Nevertheless, sliding head first is the quickest way to slide during a baseball game. You can perform the head-first slide by watching forward to see if you can get it done without colliding with the baseman.
If you discover the coast is clear, you must lean forward and leap for extra speed. In simpler terms, you should begin leaning forward as you are running.
It is done by extending the body forward. And as you do this, try your best to keep your hands and forearms in your front. Then, your wrist should be cocked backward.
The reason for this is so that when you make contact with the bag, your palm’s heels will be the one to hit it and not the fingers. But, more so, it helps in the prevention of injuries.
As you learn how to slide head-first in baseball, remember that professionals only do this because they have put in more than enough practice. So, amateurs in the game will need to practice hard but wait to start your practice on the field.
With sliding head first, your chest will end up on the ground. And though your palms will be pointed towards the floor, it will not cause the arms to jam or bend. Plus, it would help if you slid so your stomach does not get injured.
More so, your arms will need to be stretched and not stiffened. If you stiffen your arms, your shoulders or wrist will jam. Finally, it would help if your toes were tucked into the sand to stop your head-first slide.
Doing this will produce friction that will either slow or stop your sliding speed.
While this may seem scary, understand that little league players under thirteen years are banned from doing this slide. More so, it has been stated that some other leagues have also prohibited it. However, it depends on the specific league.
Those who want to learn how to slide head-first in baseball must ask the coach to instruct them. This is because it is more dangerous than the usual bent-leg slide.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
While this is generally up to you, it is vital to note that the risk of injury is higher depending on your chosen sliding method.
Yes, you can. But we recommend you learn how to slide in baseball with better technique. Using the figure four sliding style is safer and has better control.
Conclusion
Before embarking on the head-first slide, your coach must be aware. And even though we have outlined how to slide head first in baseball, your coach has the final say.
