| Improper sliding can result in injury to the young ball player. It is important to not slide too late (you may jam a leg/ankle) or too early (you may not reach the bag). Most slides, and probably the safest slide is the bent leg or figure 4 slide.
- The key elements to this slide is that one leg is straight and extended to the bag, the other leg is tucked under the straight one, hands up and loosely clenched to avoid injury.
- You will want to start your slide approximately 7-10 feet in front of the bag (depending on speed and height).
- Takeoff from either leg. You will initially land on the bent legs’ calf and thigh and your rear end.
- Stay low to the ground and throw your head back slightly to avoid hitting the knees too hard on the ground.
- As your front leg comes into contact with the bag first with your heel up, both legs should bend or give to cushion the slide. It is very important to teach proper sliding as serious knee, ankle and hand injury can occur due to improper sliding.
- You may want to practice on wet grass or use a large piece of cardboard with no shoes first before practicing on the field.
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