Until the 1960s, players avoided head-first slides in baseball to protect their hands and faces from injury. Pete Rose was one of the first players to showcase the ability of the head-first slide to maximize base running speed. Similar to any other baseball skill, it takes proper technique to execute the head-first slide effectively while reducing the potential for injury. As a result, baseball players should learn proper head-first sliding technique at an early age.
Step 1
Run at full speed toward the base. Maintaining full running speed increases the sliding speed and overall effectiveness of the head-first slide.
Step 2
Push off of one foot to dive at the base when you are about 3 yards from the base. Keep your hips and center of gravity low as you dive at the base.
Step 3
Reach your arms toward the base while your chest, forearms and thighs hit the ground. Hitting the ground with your entire body spreads the impact of the hit to reduce the overall shock.
Step 4
Position your palms facing down and fingers up to prevent wrist sprains or jammed fingers.
Step 5
Raise your head as you slide into the base to prevent your face, mouth and nose from slamming into the ground.
Step 6
Dig your toes into the infield dirt to assist coming to a stop.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear or hold onto batting gloves to reduce the potential for injuring hands and palms. Reach over the tag to touch the corner of the base, if necessary. With your head up, you can see the outside corner of the base; reach for that corner with your hand to avoid a tag.
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