Baserunning Drill: Slip and Slide (Baseball & Softball)

A fun, full-team sliding drill. Players slide on a slip and slide or sliding mat to practice a safe, proper bent-leg slide while building confidence. New to sliding? Watch the full 4-step technique breakdown at the start of the video before running this drill.

How to Run This Drill

SETUP: Lay the slip and slide or sliding mat flat on grass. If using a water slide, wet it down with a hose. Place a base at the far end as the sliding target.
Gather the team and review sliding technique first: the bent-leg figure-4 slide, hands up, chin tucked, and weight back.
Players line up several strides behind the mat.
On the coach's go, the player jogs toward the mat and slides feet-first into the base.
Coach checks form: top leg slightly bent, bottom leg tucked underneath, hands off the ground, sliding on the seat and back.
Rotate through the line, gradually adding run-up speed as players get comfortable.
Keep it fun with slide-to-the-base contests, distance challenges, or slide-and-tag relays.

Coaching Points

Teach the bent-leg (figure-4) slide: bottom leg tucked under, top leg slightly bent.
Hands stay up and off the ground to avoid jammed fingers and wrists.
Tuck the chin, lean back, and slide on the seat and back, never the knees.
Start slow to build confidence, then increase run-up speed.
Water plus a sliding mat keeps this safe and fun, even on hot days.