How to Slide in Softball

Knowing how to slide in softball can be a game-changer, literally. It’s often the difference between making it onto the base and being out. If you’re not sure how to do it, don’t worry! Sliding isn’t hard, and we’ve broken it down step-by-step for you. Check out the steps below to learn how to do three different types of slides that will help you crush it the next time you’re on the field.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Doing a Basic Slide

  1. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 1
    1
    Sprint at full speed to the next base. Learn this slide before you try to do a more complicated slide.
    • Don’t be afraid to get dirty.
    • Wear pants so that you don’t injure your legs. Consider wearing sliding pants or sliding shorts underneath your pants if you’re worried about being injured.
  2. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 2
    2
    Start sliding about 4 to 5 steps away from the base.
    • Start your slide by bending your knees. Make sure to do the following:
    • Shift your weight to the left side of your body.
    • Bend your left knee and make the shape of a 4 by tucking your left leg underneath your right leg, which should be extended straight forward.
    • Shift your weight to your left leg.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 3
    3
    Lean back as you finish your slide. Follow these instructions:
    • Don’t slide into the base in a sitting position.
    • Keep your arms behind you and try not to wave them in the air.
    • Don't drag your hands or arms on the ground during your slide.
    • Let the momentum of your sprint propel you to the base.
    • Touch the corner of the base with your right leg first.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Doing a Hook Slide

  1. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 4
    1
    Do this slide if you want to avoid getting tagged. Slide around the side of the base to avoid the tag.
    • Be aware that this slide takes some practice.
    • Practice this slide until you can touch the base without sliding past it.
  2. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 5
    2
    Start your slide 2 to 3 steps away from the base.[1]
    • Don’t slide directly into the base.
    • Slide towards the outside of the base.
  3. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 6
    3
    Finish your slide by sliding past the base. Make sure to do the following:
    • Make sure to grab the base with your left hand as you slide past.
    • Drag your left hand across home plate instead of grabbing it.
    • Shift your body weight to your left leg.
  4. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 7
    4
    Don’t stand up until the umpire calls you safe. Keep the following in mind:
    • Try to get the umpire’s attention if he doesn’t see you right away.
    • Make sure to be ready for the next play after you stand up.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Doing a Head First Dive

  1. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 8
    1
    Learn the most advanced form of sliding. Do the head first dive to get to base faster while avoiding a tag.
    • Keep in mind that doing a head first dive requires lots of practice.
    • Don’t do this slide in a game, unless you know how to do it properly.
    • Reduce the risk of injury while diving by tucking in your shirt and wearing batting gloves, and a helmet.
    EXPERT TIP
    Isaac Hess

    Isaac Hess

    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007.
    Isaac Hess
    Isaac Hess
    Baseball Coach & Instructor

    Our Expert Agrees: If you need to get to the base faster, you probably want to do a head-first slide most of the time. If you feel like it's going to be to your advantage to pause, you should probably go feet first. However, it's really best to just run through the base unless there's a possibility that you're going to be tagged.

  2. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 9
    2
    Start the dive by pivoting your feet back towards the base. Make sure you dive correctly by following these instructions:
    • Lead with the left side of your body.
    • Lean forward.
    • Take one stride back to the base if you have time before making the dive.
  3. Image titled Slide in Softball Step 10
    3
    Make sure that your right arm is extended towards the base as you finish the dive. Don’t touch the ground until you reach the base.[2]
    • Avoid the tag by touching the outside corner of the base.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What do I do if I am afraid to slide?
    Theresa Reynolds
    Theresa Reynolds
    Community Answer
    Sometimes, it is easier to do drills before actually doing it. One drill is to go somewhere where there is a hard floor, and use a pillow. Practice diving into the pillow.
  • Question
    How do I hit a softball with more power?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Swivel your hips when you swing, and work on exercises that increase upper-body strength.
  • Question
    What if my coach doesn't want to teach me how to slide?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Find another adult who's willing to teach you.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Play Softball
How to
Play Softball
Throw a Softball
How to
Throw a Softball
Keep Score for a Softball Game
How to
Keep Score for a Softball Game
Break in a Softball Glove
How to
Break in a Softball Glove
Buy a Girl's Softball Bat
How to
Buy a Girl's Softball Bat
Hit the Ball Properly in Softball
How to
Hit the Ball Properly in Softball
Pitch in Slow‐Pitch Softball
How to
Pitch in Slow‐Pitch Softball
Pitch a Fast Pitch Softball
How to
Pitch a Fast Pitch Softball
Throw a Changeup in Fast Pitch Softball
How to
Throw a Changeup in Fast Pitch Softball
Swing a Softball Bat
How to
Swing a Softball Bat
Dress for Softball
How to
Dress for Softball
Grip a Softball Bat
How to
Grip a Softball Bat
Catch a Softball
How to
Catch a Softball
Hit a Slowpitch Softball
How to
Hit a Slowpitch Softball
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ncaa.org/championships/playing-rules/softball-rules-game
  2. ↑ http://www.ncaa.org/championships/playing-rules/softball-rules-game

About This Article

Isaac Hess
Co-authored by:
Isaac Hess
Baseball Coach & Instructor
This article was co-authored by Isaac Hess. Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007. This article has been viewed 91,053 times.
9 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 26
Updated: April 21, 2021
Views: 91,053
Categories: Softball
Article SummaryX

To slide in softball, start by sprinting at full speed to the next base. Then, when you're 4-5 steps away from the base, bend your knees and shift your weight to the left side of your body. As you get lower to the ground, tuck your left leg under your right leg so your legs are making a "4" shape. Finally, lean back as you slide into the base, keeping your arms behind you and above the ground. To learn how to do a hook slide and a head-first dive in softball, scroll down!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement