As a baserunner in both baseball and softball, it’s important to understand and be aware of when you should advance, hold up, and what situations you should slide. A common question that many baserunners have is whether or not you can slide into first base.
In almost all baseball and softball leagues runners are allowed to slide into first base. However, sliding into first base is only recommended when a runner needs to avoid a tag because of an errant throw that causes the first basemen to leave the base. On a normal play at first its best for the runner to run through the base as this will be significantly faster than sliding into first.
In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about sliding into first base including; why you shouldn’t slide into first, when it makes sense to, and how to slide into first to avoid a tag. As well as other baseball & softball tips and tricks.
Let’s get started.
Are You Allowed to Slide into First Base?
One of the most common plays in baseball involves a fielder fielding a ground ball and throwing it to first base before the runner reaches the bag. This routine play is often very close and can be determined by even the smallest step.
As a base runner it’s important that you do everything you can to ensure you beat out the throw and reach first base safely. Whether that be running through the base or sliding depending upon the situation.
Almost every baseball and softball league allows baserunners to either run through or slide into first base. There is nothing within the rules that states a runner is unable to slide into first. With maybe a few exceptions at the lower levels. However just because the rules allow it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always a good idea.
Most baseball and softball experts only recommend sliding into first base when a fielder makes a bad throw causing the first basemen to leave the base and attempt to tag the runner. Sliding makes it more difficult for the defender to make a tag on the runner.
The reason why most experts recommend having base runners run through the bag at first is because this has proven to be much faster.
Run or Slide into First Base? [Which is Better]
When running to first base, runners can either slide or run through the bag to beat out the throw from a fielder. The decision to slid or run through may seem small but it can make a big difference in the overall outcome of a play.
The general consensus by most baseball and softball experts is that it’s better to run through first basd as opposed to sliding into first in most cases. The reason for this is because running through first is significantly faster than sliding. The only time runners should slide into first is to avoid a tag or a collision.
In fact, Sports Science did a video testing whether sliding into first to running is faster. Check it out for yourself.
Although running through first base has proven to be a faster way to get to first there may be certain situations where sliding into first may be better.
Here is a simple guide that can help you determine whether or not you should slide into first or run through.
Why You Should Run Through First Base
- It’s significantly faster
- You’ll beat out more throws
- You can easily advance to the next base
Why You Should Slide into First Base
- Avoid a tag
- Avoid a collision with a fielder
How to Slide into First Base
Base runners not only need to know when it makes sense to slide when there is a play at first, but also what is the best technique that allows them to beat the tag and remain safe.
Here are some basic sliding instructions to help get you started.
Should You Slide Feet First or Head First?
Now there are certainly situations during a game where it may make sense to slide into first or another base. This is done to avoid a potential tag and to help the runner reach the base safely.
When sliding, baserunners have two options and can either slide head-first or feet-first. Now this brings up a good question that many ball players have. Is sliding feet first or head first better?
The majority of baseball and softball players will always slide into first base head-first. This seems to be easiest and fastest way to avoid a tag in this scenario. As for second, third, and home base players will sometimes slide head-first while others prefer to slide feet-first.
In a study published by American Journal of Sports Medicine 60 baseball players were time and testing using these two basic sliding techniques. They found no significant difference in speed between head-first and feet-first sliding at all levels of play during their study.
Some baseball experts believe that sliding head-first is faster because you have momentum on your side. However, players tend to get injured more when sliding head-first. While others are of the opinion that base runners tend to be more aggressive when sliding feet first and as a result get there much quicker.
Simply put, there really isn’t a wrong way to slide and it comes down to personal preference and comfort. In my opinion sliding into a base head-first can make it easier for you to avoid a tag and put you hand on the base, but sliding feet-first will allow you to pop up onto the base faster in case there is a bad throw.
So should you slide head-first or feet-first? It’s really up to you and what you are most comfortable with.
When Should You Slide
Sliding is a critical part of both baseball and softball and in fact in some situations of a runner doesn’t slide they may be called out by the umpire. So raises an important question. When should base runners slide?
In baseball and softball baserunners should slide to avoid being tagged out by the defense when there is a close play at a base. Sliding should also be done when breaking up a double play, when stealing a base and to avoid collisions and potential inquiries.
When to Slide in Baseball and Softball
- To avoid a tag
- Break up double play
- To be safe and avoid collisions
Can You Slide into First Base? [Each Level Explained]
Little League
A common myth in little league or youth baseball is that base runners aren’t allowed to slide into first. However, in many leagues this isn’t the case.
Most youth and little league type of organizations allow the runners to slide into first and other bases. Some leagues do however restrict players from sliding into bases head-first. (Little League Manual)
It’s best to read the rules of your son or daughters league and make sure you understand what their specific rules are.
High School
I’ve played baseball in high school so I have first-hand experience on the rules and regulations. High school players are allowed to slide head-first into first base. There are no rules or restrictions and it’s up to the player whether or not they wish to slide.
Here are the specific rules around sliding in high school baseball if you want more detailed information.
College
Both college baseball and softball players are allowed to slide into first base. There are no restrictions or rules that permits a runner from sliding into any base. Most college athlete will only choose to slide into first if there is a bad throw by a fielder and they need to avoid a potential tag.
MLB
In Major League baseball players are permitted to slide into first base whenever the baserunner feel it’s needed. Sliding into first in professional baseball happens when there is a bad throw and the first basemen has to leave the bag and must tag the runner. Sliding helps the base runner avoid the tag and reach the base safely.
Baseball & Softball FAQ
Can you dive to first base? Yes, runners are allowed to dive or slide into first base. Diving to first base is mainly done to avoid a tag on a pick off play or when a fielder makes a bad throw and the first basemen must come of the base and make a tag instead.
Is sliding into a base faster? Most baseball experts will say that sliding into first base should only be attempted when avoiding a tag or a collision with a fielder. The reason for this is that running through first base is much faster when compared to sliding both in baseball and softball. (Source: SageJournals.com)
Final Thoughts
As a runner in both baseball and softball there will be plenty of times after you hit the ball where you’ll need to decide whether running through the base or sliding into first is best.
The general consensus is that because first is a force play that running through the bag after hitting the ball is much faster than if you were to slide. However, if there is an errant throw and the first basemen must leave the base and is forced to tag the runner, sliding into first may be best.
I hope this article has made it clear that sliding into first is allowed but in many cases it’s not the best way to beat out a throw.