Sliding

[leftout]

I have seen most base runners slide into second with there left leg tucked under. Is there a more correct way to execute this and why?

[bkwrdkurout]

This site is fabulous for instruction
www.baseball-excellence.com/baseball-instructions-and-fundamentals.cfm

There are many kinds of slides. Sliding needs to be practiced especially for safety sake with younger players. Take shoes off and practice sliding on grass on a slip and slide type device.

There is a hook slide, a fade away slide, a head first slide. Head first slides at home may be outlawed in LL. In HS and above head first sliding into home is foolish as one is sliding into a catcher who is in full gear. Some smart runners will slide on the side of second or third and reach back and grab the bag with their hand(s).

[Fredrated]

Also the "Pop up" slide

[coach2709]

Overall the left leg under isn't the right way to slide into second for two main reasons - 1) if the throw ends up in the OF or trickling into the OF you now have to turn around to find the ball. Go sliding in and pop up on the right leg you will be facing CF and see where the ball is. 2) it's a safety issue because now your facing the IF with your left leg tucked. A bad throw or tag up the line could end up on your face.

One way to practice sliding not mentioned (what was mention are great ways) is to get big flat pieces of cardboard. Set the cardboard down on the ground and have the runners learn to slide on their left leg. It gives very easily on grass so it minimizes chace of injury. Put two players on either side of the cardboard with their hands out. Now the runner has to give each guy a high five (or close to it) to each player to help teach get the hands up and not have a sprained wrist by putting them down at contact.

Head first slides are dangerous and should only be used if the runner is going to the opposite side of the bag as the fielder. Example - runner coming to third and throw from CF is on the OF side of 3B. The runner should head first slide (or stretch slide) to the inside of the bag away from the fielder. This allows the runner to be farther away from the fielder to make a longer tag without putting himself in jeopardy. You can do this at home BUT you are still likely to get a shinguard to the face. I wouldn't recommend it.