sliding question?

Question

As a coach some of my players want to slide head first. I do not want this since I feel it is dangerous. The players think that they can get to the bag faster sliding head first rather than sliding in a conventional manner. What are your feelings on this?

Answer 1

My thought is that you actually get to the base faster when you slide feet first because your momentum does not slow down. I think that sliding head first psychologically gets there faster since you see the base and can feel it if you actually make it there.

As far as safety is concerned, it is certainly safer to slide feet first. It is less wear and tear on your torso. Your hips and legs absorb more of the shock. When you slide head first, your upper body absorbs more shock.

It just makes sense to slide feet first.

Answer 2

I play for a 15 year old "A" team and I never slide head first unless I am diving back to a bag, feet first is faster the only reason the pros do it is to get an arm around a tag but with younger kids that don't understand that, they should just stick with the feet first slide

Answer 3

Just teach the fundamentals. Sliding head first is not one of them. It is untrue in my experience that you can get to the bag faster. Proper sliding feet first can allow the runner to automatically get to a standing position and be prepared to advance. Much harder to do when sliding head first. Additionally, many slide head first because it maybe easier to avoid a tag by moving your arms away from the glove and to an unprotected spot of the bag. This is true only if they have extraordinary reflexes. Again, just stick with the fundamentals. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I played a ton of baseball and never got hurt sliding head first.

That said, I've seen other players break fingers, rip off fingernails, jam wrists... so yes, it is a higher-risk play.

As for whether or not it gets you to the bag faster... sliding doesn't get you to the base faster... ever. You actually have to slow yourself down to get into the position to slide.

The sole purpose of a slide is simply to avoid a tag. It's a pretty common misconception that sliding increases speed. The only reason to ever slide into a force-out play is to try to break up a double play.

Another thing... when players take that long lunging step to the bag on close plays at first... they actually worsen their time to the base by doing it. The fastest way to run is always head down, full speed, taking your normal, full strides.

Answer 5

I think it really depends on the level and the age you are playing. High school level... I believe it's ok..... but injuries are higher with a head first slide.... Education on when to use the head first slide is critical to staying health the entire season. Never Slide head First at Home...

Answer 6

I used to slide head first a lot. Then I broke my finger doing it and missed the rest of the season. I'm against it now.

Answer 7

It has been shown that sliding head first is slower than feet first....and ur right it is dangerous.....you have fingers, hands,arms, head and neck that can injured easily....It's also hard to break up a DP with your head......

Answer 8

if they insist on sliding head first at least make sure they know how to do it properly by turning your head away from the ball and make sure they use their whole arm as to not hurt their hand

Answer 9

Sliding head first is very safe, if you noe how. It can be dangerous though.

Answer 10

How old are the players? Under 18 feet first, over let them cartwheel.