Game version
Base-path signals: a partner calls “go” or “stay” and you round the bases or hold, smoothly. Swap callers.
Feet-First Slide Intro
Learn a safe bent-leg slide, feet first, on grass.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Sit on the grass and practice the shape: one leg straight, the other bent under it like the number 4.
Core: To second. , with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Grass, slide mat or sliding shorts, coach
- Level · skill
- Developing · Base Running
The steps
How it works
- Sit on the grass and practice the shape: one leg straight, the other bent under it like the number 4.
- Jog and drop into the shape, hands up off the ground.
- Add a little speed only when the shape is easy.
- Do 8 slides.
Coaching point
Make a 4, hands up.
Safety: Slide feet first only, on grass or soft dirt, and only with a coach. Never slide head first.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (to first), Core (to second), More (to third), with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns.
Story
You are a base runner reading the coach’s signals.
My best
Beat your own count
, with a full rest between. Aim for smooth turns. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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