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However, there is one situation however where it should be considered. Avoiding a TagĪs mentioned earlier, there are quite a few reasons why sliding into first isn’t always the best option. It almost feels like it should be the same with first. After all, sliding is more effective at second and third base. I completely understand this rationale as it becomes almost second nature in the heat of the moment. It may seem obvious, but one of the main reasons a player would want to slide into first base is they feel that they have a better chance of reaching the base safely rather than running through the base. These situations may not be common, but you never know they could lead to a win or loss! Now imagine you were already on your feet? Suddenly advancing to second seems much easier doesn’t it?Īll of this to say, there are indirect factors at play that can have an effect on the end result of a game. As you are on the ground, you now need to get yourself back on your feet and attempt to advance to second base. However, while sliding, you didn’t notice that an errant throw occurred which sent the ball close to the dugout. This time it worked as you reached the bag first. You know it’s going to be a close play and feel you need to slide to gain an advantage. You know the infielder has a cannon for an arm but you need that base. Imagine…you just hit a sharp grounder to the left side of the infield.
HIGH SCHOOL ILLEGAL SLIDE RUNNER OUT FULL
If sliding were a faster way to get to a certain spot, why would these runners not attempt to slide into the finish line? You’ll absolutely see some “leaning” in these races, but in general the runners remain upright and are at full speed as they cross the finish line. However, there are many more plays at 1st than at home.Īnother way to think of this is by watching any running race (like my favorite the 100m dash). This is similar to when running past home plate as well. Running at full speed past 1st base allows the player to keep their speed and momentum forward. Therefore, for most players, sliding tends to slow you down as your momentum simply stops. Is it really a Faster way to reach First Base?Īnother important factor relates to which is actually faster: running through the base, or sliding?įirst base is unique when compared to second and third as a runner is permitted to run past the bag at full speed. As such, when sliding into first, a runner may inadvertently slide into the fielder’s ankle which can cause major injuries to not only the fielder, but the runner as well.ĭepending on the level of competition, it may not be worth the chance to injure yourself or another player in recreational leagues. When attempting to make an out, a first baseman must have their foot on the bag and catch the ball before the runner touches the base. One of the major reasons that some leagues implement a rule that prohibits sliding into first base is for player safety. I’ve outlined these in more detail in the subsections that follow. There are several reasons why a league or individual player may decide that sliding is not the best choice including: So why so much ambiguity? Read on to find out more. First base is treated just like any other base on the field, and follows the same rules and regulations around interference and proper sliding technique.Įven though ASA, and USSSA rules do not prohibit sliding into first base, some organizations may still decide to have rules in place to prevent this from occurring. This is true for larger softball associations like the ASA and USSSA.
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Yes, softball players are allowed to slide into first base. 7 Conclusion Is sliding into first base permitted in Softball?