Amazing Tips For Baseball Team Players

By Ruth Cracknell

It is important for all baseball team players to be able to run the bases well. They also need to be able to slide. Both these aspects of the game are discussed in this article.

On two-base hits, the batter makes his turn at 1st just as he does for a single-with a small dip to the right. On a triple-a ball the batter knows is going to be a triple-the dip at 1st is ignored.

If, after leaving 2nd, a runner intends to round 3rd or continue to the plate, he should again make the little dip some 15 to 20 feet in front of the base. When a runner, however, is trying for an inside-the-park home run, he should run the bases in a tight circle, pivoting as much as he can at every base.

As a general rule, a base runner is "on his own" when the ball is in front of him. In other words, he-and not the coach-judges whether an attempt to advance should be made. Once the ball is in back of a runner, however, he should rely entirely on the instruction of the base coach. If a batter hits a ball into the right field corner, for example, he should look at the 3rd base coach as he approaches 2nd base and again as he leaves it. He should not look back at the ball!

Above all, a player should be taught to run hard and keep running until he either arrives safely at a base, or has clearly been put out. Don't forget, too, that a batter has an opportunity to run when:
1. The catcher drops a third strike.
2. "Ball Four" goes through the catcher. The ball is "in play" and, theoretically at least, the batter could circle the bases and score.

Sliding
Many young baseball team players hesitate to learn to slide because they are fearful of being hurt. Actually, the boy who slides correctly has learned a skill that helps prevent injury. There are two ways to slide-head first and feet first.

When a runner dives toward a base on his stomach, he goes straight in, or to one side and reaches for the base with a hand. It's not too difficult a slide, but it's hard on the stomach and not too efficient, except when used to avoid being picked off base by a pitcher. Sliding feet first, on the other hand, takes a little practice and is a necessary skill for the ball player-amateur or professional. There are two basic methods.

1. The Hook Slide (or "fadeaway").
This is the most popular and probably the most useful. The body goes well to the side of the base as one toe reaches for a corner, making a small target for the infielder's tag.

2. The Leg-under, or Bent-leg Slide.
This slide is used mostly when a runner wants to go "straight in" to a base. It also enables the runner to come quickly to his feet in the event the ball eludes the defense. It's best for players to learn how to slide as soon as possible, for the earlier the years, the lighter and more supple the body. Most boys, if they wait too long to start sliding, will find that they can only slide on one side, which is a disadvantage.

Master these two aspects of the game, and you will become one of a select band of valuable baseball team players.

Learn All The Best Tips For Your
Baseball Defence
Visit: http://www.baseball-training.org/index.php

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