How to Do a Bent Leg Slide in Baseball

If you are a pitcher, you want to do anything to prevent injury to your arms; the game depends on how well you pitch, not on hard how you hit. Have you ever noticed how the pitchers in the major league are not heavy hitters? It is a rare moment in history when a pitcher hits a home run.

If you get on base, you must consider the alternative to doing a head-first slide. This is where a runner falls to the ground sliding with his arms stretched out in front of him. As long as the fingers touch the base, the runner is safe. However, the pitcher should never attempt this type of slide. There are too many possible injuries such as strains and broken fingers. Rather than the head-first slide, the pitcher should do the bent leg slide. Even players who are new to the game should start out with this slide. It is safer, thus receiving less injuries.

If you are running to the next base and know that you are going to beat the throw without sliding, then do not be a dare devil or a show off; reach the base standing up. However, if the ball is going to beat you to the base-as long as this is not a force play-you can still avoid a tag by sliding.

When you are three feet from the base, push off with your strongest leg. Tuck this leg behind you, turning you knee slightly toward the opposite leg's thigh. Have the other leg sticking straight out, aiming towards the base.

When you are running fast and go into a bent leg slide, the momentum will give you the extra distance to get to the base. Even if there is a force play and the baseman already has the ball, still do the slide. The force of your slide may knock the ball out of the glove. This also may distract him from making a double play.

With a head-first or a bent leg slides, pitchers and new baseball players must use the one that is safer. All you need to do is to practice at the slide and improve your technique.