Understanding how to slide properly is important because it will keep players safe and may also help win games.

• The proper sliding form is one foot forward, with the other foot tucked under and your hands up in the air.
  • Do not use your hands to brace yourself or to balance on the ground.
    • Why not?
      • This can lead to injury
      • It slows you down.
  • Do not slide head-first.
    • Why not?
      • Greater chance of injury.
      • These are not professional fields.
      • Sliding feet first enables you to stop easier and not over-slide the bag.

• Slide straight into the base.
• Unlike first base, you cannot overrun second or third.
  • If you do not slide on a close play, then one of two things happens:
    • You have to slow down in order to stay on the bag when you reach it.
      • This is a problem because it may mean you will be forced out.
    • You don’t slow down and overrun the bag.
      • This is a problem because you may be tagged out when going beyond the base.