Baseball Base Running---Do You Know The Two Times To Not Slide Into Second Base?

Two baseball base running tips as to when to NOT slide into second base:

If you are a runner on first base and a ground ball is headed to the second baseman, make a quick observation as to where the second baseman is going to field the ball. If he is going to go pretty far to his left to field the grounder, it would be very wise for you NOT to slide into second base. If you slide, you are opening up a throwing lane for the second baseman to his shortstop.

A much better choice is avoid sliding and run slightly to the right side of the baseline. It's a very easy and intelligent play that unfortunately, not too many base runners put to good use. By not sliding and running on the right side of the base line, there is a very good chance that when the second baseman fields the grounder, he will look toward second base and see you and not be able to see his shortstop. A simple thing like this can create chaos for the team in the field.

One possibility is that the second baseman will not even attempt to get the force out at second base and the base runner will now be in scoring position. Another possibility is that if the second baseman does attempt the throw to second base, he will alter his throw because he has to either get it over the base runner or around him. He could very well throw the ball away and you may now have two runners on with less than two outs. It creates an entirely different scenario and this simple technique can lead to a big inning and a big inning can have a major impact on the outcome of a baseball game. Most people in attendance at the game, including players and coaches, won't even notice what happened because it is a very good play that very few are aware of.

Another time to at least consider NOT sliding into second base is if you are on first base and a pickoff throw gets away from the first baseman. When the pickoff throw gets away, immediately make a very quick determination as to where you think the first baseman or one of his teammates will pick up the ball. If you think the ball will be fielded far enough away that you can possibly go to third base, you do NOT want to slide into second base and waste time getting up from sliding and then consider going to third base. Be sure to take that all important very quick look over your shoulder!

Larry Cicchiello is the successful author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." His VERY user friendly eBooks cover 320 topics on baseball. ANY baseball player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips are available at Larry Baseball.com

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