Sliding is an important part of softball. Teaching it safely is a challenge.
Step 1: Teach players the proper position when they slide.
– One foot extended (either is fine)
– Tuck the other leg under the knee of it forms a 4 with the legs
– Have players lean back
– Tuck chin
– Hands extended over the head with hands in fists
Have players sit on the ground and teach them the correct position and make sure they are wearing helmets.
Step 2: Have the group of players you are teaching walk around in a circle. Then tell them sit down in the correct position for sliding. Have them stand up and walk faster then tell them to sit down in the again in the sliding position. Have them speed to almost a jog and do the same. This exercise will allow players to gradually get comfortable with the action of sliding.
Step 3: Partner sliding
If players are still reluctant to slide, Have 2 coaches assist. Coaches on either side of the player each holding the players hand. The coaches can run with the players and hold her hands as the player slides thus supporting the player.
There are creative ideas for teaching sliding to young players including a device called a Slide rite (a padded sliding mat) or some coaches use a slip and slide.
