Sliding is one of those skills where the success is dependent on the players confidence and experience with success.
Sliding Analysis Considerations
When evaluating sliding, the best way to determine the success as with other skills is the outcome and the way the player feels. Video analysis can be useful for baserunning although there are not as many technical components as there are for throwing for example. Something you could do is to have her freeze after the slide to know exactly what happened as she arrived at the base.
One of the biggest considerations is confidence and experience. This is where a wet field with a hill is great because they can run and practice sliding with a little momentum as they slide down the hill. Be sure to have them wear helmets for sliding practice especially if it is being done in a gym where the surface is hard.
Technical / Tactical Skill Factors
These skills are generally about being safe and being prepared to advance to the next base. With experience, the player will be able to react to the positioning of the defense and where the ball ends up. If it sails past the base she is going to for example, she would look for an opportunity to advance to the next base. Her success for this will depend on the slide and her ability to get up and go again.
Some Technical Errors for Sliding
|
Technical Errors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
slides too late |
use break away bases for practices |
|
front leg not up |
use props that they have to hit |
|
hands not back and up |
put something in their hand like batting gloves or bean bags for example. |
|
chin not tucked |
possibly have them bite on the collar of the shirt |
|
runner stops before the base |
begins slide 1.5 body lengths from the base |
|
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Some Tactical Errors for Sliding
|
Tactical Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
not ready to advance |
use game situations |
|
slides to the wrong side of the base |
discuss & practice situations |
|
inexperienced |
gain through practices and games |
|
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Psychological Requirements
Softball is a game that has a lot of psychological barriers for athletes during competition. The psychology of catching requires skills that are going to have a
- Likes to take risks – not afraid to get dirty
- Confidence – does not hesitate (could cause injury)
- Confidence – able to control a game and be vocal
- Broad Focus – looking for opportunity to continue on
- Relaxation – sliding is easy
Some Psychological Challenges for Sliding
|
Psychological Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
afraid of getting hurt |
use progressions |
|
not alert to the defense |
practice situations |
|
not prepared on the pitch |
use a pitcher in training |
|
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Physical Requirements
The following biomotor skills are important in sliding analysis:
- Coordination – assisting timing and then advancing
- Balance – ability to get back up quickly if required
- Speed – crucial to the success of sliding
- Suppleness – prevents injury
Some Physical Challenges for Sliding
|
Physical Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
lack of speed |
pre season training |
|
timing is off |
coordination drills |
|
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Performance Outcome Factors
Every softball skills is executed with a desired outcome. That outcome however can be broken down just as the skill itself is. Here are some expected outcomes that you might have for sliding.
|
Expected Outcome |
Mechanics / Biomechanics |
|
runner is safe |
is in contact with the base |
|
runner is not injured |
hands, head and foot are up and is facing away from the ball |
|
runner is ready to advance |
knows where the ball is |
|
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Interventions
As coaches, error detection and correction is what we do. There is a time and a place however for sliding analysis to occur. During competition is generally not the time. Following are a few recommended paths you can take to help your players improve their skills.
|
Intervention |
Timing |
|
Break down the skill |
Observation |
|
Kinesthetic feedback |
have her check in with her body |
|
Skill instruction |
use a checklist |
|
Provide a mentor |
have them watch others |
|
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