1. Take it Slow
Try sliding in a gym or on grass with sliding pads on to perfect the skill. Wet the grass prior to practicing the slide to make it easier. Don't try to slide for the first time on the hard surface of the basepaths until you understand the proper technique. After you feel comfortable with your sliding form test it out for real.
2. Take Off
Start the slide about 15 feet away from the base. There are several methods to start the slide. Some instances call for a head first slide where a player dives into the base. Some prefer the head first slide because they feel they have more base contact control with the arms. Others prefer a feet first slide to make it easier to bounce back up. For the feet first slide, extend your arms out to the side, move the upper body backwards and extend the feet forward out in front of you.
3. Landing on a Slide
On the head first slide you are going to land on your chest primarily. So keep your head up or you may get a mouthful of dirt. Anytime you use a head first slide always go into the base palm first. The Pointing the fingers straight can result in a dislocated or even broken finger. In a feet-first slide land first on your buttocks, arms extended, head up and feet pointed towards the base with the toes up.
4. Directional Slides
Sometimes the throw has beaten you to the base and you need to get around the tag. This is where directional sliding comes into play. As you see the throw coming in discern which side of the base is furthest away from it and slide in that direction. To slide to the ride side of the base use the right foot to take off, and vice versa if you want to slide to the left of the base.
5. Know When to Slide
There are times when a person should slide and times to run upright to the base. Not every play at a base requires a slide. Judicious use of the slide is important because the base runner loses momentum and speed when he slides. Use a slide to avoid a tag, stop effectively on a base, foil a double play, and get back to a base. Also, don't slide into first; if you need to run through the base sliding will slow you down.
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