by A ball that is controlled with one hand, but slides away from you after being released. A great drill to keep the players’ heads down and not upon their follow-through.
When throwing indoors, have a coach or player stand waiting for the ball at each base with an open glove ready to catch it as soon as it gets there. The ball should always go to the base and never be dropped.
How to slide in MLB the show 20
Slide Into Bases And Home Plate – A drill to keep the players’ heads down and not upon their follow-through. When throwing indoors, have a coach or player waiting for the ball at each base with an open glove ready to catch it as soon as it gets there.
The ball should always go to the base and never be dropped.
The History of the Sliding Guide
It was first introduced at the 2015 Winter Warm-up in Ft Myers, Florida, by MLB Skills Instructor Rusty Meacham. He brought it with him to Spring Training and it helped several players on their leadoff every base.
It was only used for a couple of days in ST before players started using them on their own in practice.
Basic Rules for Sliding Guides
- When going from first base to second, keep the ball between you and second base. Go in a straight line toward the second base and do not turn your body or run wide around 2nd.
- As you get closer to home plate, you will need to start coming off the plate to slide into it. When sliding into the home, you will need to get your hips over the plate.
- For right-handed batters, home is on the left side of the catcher. Sliding into home puts your center field/shoulder area in front of home plate. Lead with that shoulder and get it to where it can be seen by the umpire for the safe call.
- For left-handed batters, home is on the right side of the catcher. Sliding into home puts your center field/shoulder area in front of home plate. Lead with that shoulder and get it to where it can be seen by the umpire for a safe call.
What to Look for in a Sliding Guide
- Leather should be soft and pliable.
- The ball should always go to the base and never be dropped.
- No sharp or hard edges so as not to tear or damage uniforms.
- Laces should be durable, but flexible enough to roll up quickly after each use without ever having to unroll them first.
- Assure that the leather is strong enough to absorb the shock of a player sliding into each base.
How to Choose the Right Size Sliding Guide
The sliding guide should be approximately the same size and shape as a baseball. The length of the laces should be no longer than 12-14 inches per lace.
It also comes in two different weights, one for infielders at 6-10oz, and an outfielder’s weight at 6-15oz.
Best Brands and Models
There is no doubt that Red Slider’s laces are the longest and strongest of any. They have a wax finish that makes them very pliable, easy to work with and they don’t unravel after being scuffed up on the field. The Red Slider model is $14.99.
Conclusion
Learning how to slide correctly will protect your body from injury and ensure you’ll be able to play the game. Follow the guidelines set out by Coach Meacham and you should have no problems sliding into each base. Try these drills at your next practice or competitive games, and let us know what you think of them.
