Do You Know When Not To Slide Into Second Base?

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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 the second baseman has 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 throw to his shortstop. A much better choice is avoid sliding and run slightly to the right side of the baseline. It’s one of the better baseball base running tips that 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 one less out. Just a little simple thing like that creates an entirely different scenario and this simple thing can lead to a big inning and a big inning often determines the outcome of a game. Most people in attendance at the game, including players, coaches and teammates won’t even notice what happened because it is a very good play that not too many players or coaches are aware of. Sometimes it seems like too much emphasis is placed on baseball tips on hitting and baseball pitching tips but don’t ever overlook baseball fielding tips and baseball base running tips as well. They can often determine the outcome of a game also.

Another time to at least consider not sliding into second base is if you are on first base and a pick off throw gets away from the first baseman. When the pick off throw gets away, immediately look over your right shoulder and make a very quick determination as to where you think the team in the field will actually 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 and make a very quick decision as to where you think the ball will be fielded.

These are two very good baseball base running tips that unfortunately, very few know about. Show everyone how well schooled you are!