TiVo Community Forums Archives - Is there a Correct way to Slide in Baseball?

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Is there a Correct way to Slide in Baseball?
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Posted by: Markman07

I wont' get into the details on how my co-workers and I got on the subject but the heated discussion turned into "HOW" to correctly slide (FEET FIRST) in baseball/softball. I being right-footed was always taught from my little league days that my right leg is extended. so......

#1. Is there a correct way to slide feet first? IF you are right-handed/footed and slide feet first should your left leg be the bent leg with your right leg extended out? Is it different for a left-footed person?

IF there is a RIGHT way? Why that way instead of the other?

I couldn't find much of anything on the web except one site that says to have the dominate leg straight (in my case the right leg being that I am right-footed).

Here is that link (hardly official).

How to Slide.

Posted by: Marco

How about this?

http://www.baseballtips.com/sliding.html

P.S. and head-first is NOT the right way. Not only is it dangerous, (see Jeter, Derek), it's inefficient!

Posted by: Markman07

Thanks! That was a good read.

Posted by: LiveBlues

It has been many years since I had to slide playing baseball, so I had to think about it for a moment. I am right handed and footed. I slid with my left leg extended and my right leg tucked underneath. I was never taught that, it was just what came naturally. I think that is because with my right leg being dominant, it made more sense for that leg to initiate the slide. I didn't read the above link, so I have no clue whether I am right or wrong or just confused. :)

Posted by: TiVo Rox

quote:
Originally posted by Marco

P.S. and head-first is NOT the right way. Not only is it dangerous, (see Jeter, Derek), it's inefficient!

So you think that someone stealing a base would be more effective sliding leg first?

Sorry, you're out.

You think when getting back to a base after the pitcher tries to pick you off you should go leg first?

Sorry, you're out.

Head first slides ARE more dangerous but a leg first slide requires you to change your body's momentum, thus making you slow down more than a head first slide. A Leg first slide run from base to base is often slower than a head first one by as much as a second and sometimes more!

While more dangerous they are, by far, more effective when trying to get into a base quicker.

That said, a leg first slide is safer and it is nearly impossible to break up a double play with a head first slide...

Posted by: muoldaar

Too bad this thread wasn't started a few days earlier....before I scraped up my knee with an incorrect slide. :o Atleast, now I know better.

Posted by: Breacagan

quote:
Originally posted by muoldaar
Too bad this thread wasn't started a few days earlier....before I scraped up my knee with an incorrect slide.

Tail end first? That's definitely not right. You could have asked us before you tried it.

Posted by: spartanstew

quote:
Originally posted by LiveBlues
I slid with my left leg extended and my right leg tucked underneath. I was never taught that, it was just what came naturally.

This is the way I slide as well.

quote:
Originally posted by TiVo Rox
So you think that someone stealing a base would be more effective sliding leg first?

Sorry, you're out.

You think when getting back to a base after the pitcher tries to pick you off you should go leg first?

Sorry, you're out.

Head first slides ARE more dangerous but a leg first slide requires you to change your body's momentum, thus making you slow down more than a head first slide. A Leg first slide run from base to base is often slower than a head first one by as much as a second and sometimes more!

While more dangerous they are, by far, more effective when trying to get into a base quicker.

That said, a leg first slide is safer and it is nearly impossible to break up a double play with a head first slide...

You are correct sir.

Additionally, one thing that you never see anymore in a slide is the fact that (in most cases) the only thing that should touch the ground is the lower part of your bent leg. Your upper leg (thigh area) and butt should not. If you see someone slide and when they stand up they have dirt on their butt or upper leg, they did not slide correctly. This is done so that your body is at the proper angle to be able to pop back up in case you need to run (overthrow, etc.). We used to practice these slides in high school all the time, but I don't think I've seen anyone do it correctly in many years.

Stew