Sliding

[Coach-n-Dad]

What would you do with a 13 YO girl who is fairly large (5'9" 220) and is terrified of sliding. Her previous coaches never took the time to teach her correctly and the one or two time she attempted the slide she fell flat on her behind and it really hurt her.

She is very athletic, fast runner, just afraid of sliding injury.

 

[cshilt]

Use a Slip 'n Slide at the end of practice in the outfield grass. Those things are fun at any age. Work on proper form in a stress free, pain free environment.

 

[SBFAMILY]

We have them slide in the outfield like cshilt stated, but we use two large pcs of cardboard. It adds padding and the top pc slides with them. We start with two coaches holding a bat and they grab the bat and practice the slide. Takes away the fear. Then it becomes fun.

 

[softballplayer24]

Video Explanation

Here's an awesome video that explains just about everything:
Softball for Beginners: Sliding | Juan Cardos

 

[Bucketmom]

We did the slip n slide then afterwards took what they learned on the field in that same practice. It really works.

 

[CoachKevin]

The only thing I would add is to look and see what the kids natural tuck leg is. I found when my DD was 10U the coach was trying to teach sliding. I noticed my DD would have to "think" about tucking the leg. After practice I had her remove the sliding pad on put it on her other leg..... Thats all it took, and she was sliding all over the place.

 

[jinjet95]

What would you do with a 13 YO girl who is fairly large (5'9" 220) and is terrified of sliding. Her previous coaches never took the time to teach her correctly and the one or two time she attempted the slide she fell flat on her behind and it really hurt her.

She is very athletic, fast runner, just afraid of sliding injury.

The steps Dalton gave you will work for older girls as well. By starting already on the ground and building to a standing position, she should become more comfortable. I've seen Dalton demonstrate this several times at various clinics. Even the most reluctant of the students are sliding and having fun by the end. He also has a series of steps for diving that is very good. I saw this in action on a trip to the Bahama's. He had high school girls from the Bahama's that never slid or dove before sliding and diving like they'd been doing it forever.

 

[Dukhunt22]

Something happened last night that made me laugh so hard I bought cried. My 8 year old hit a line up the middle that got by the center fielder. As she crossed second the ball was being relayed to third. It was a bang bang play but my DD was out. The third base coach was telling her get down!!! Get Down!! After she was called out first words out of her mouth was "I DONT KNOW HOW TO SLIDE" I laughed and told her that was Daddy's fault good hit. LOL

Chad