sliding in fast pitch

Question
how do you slide in fast pitch if you are too scared that you are going to cut yourself or injure your leg or foot. Because i really want to do this for the team its just that im too nervous to do it because of the injures. Please help me!!!

Answer
Hello Devin,

I'm sorry we haven't responded sooner, but questions in the question pool are typically handled last.

The biggest reason for players getting hurt is exactly what you have acknowledged with this question, they are scared of getting hurt.  Devin, you need to do two things, purchase a slip-an-slide and practice running full speed and getting low on your slides.  Continue to do this until you have no hesitation and can get down from a full sprint.  If you don't have access to this, putting some type of blanket made from a silky fabricate on a gym floor and sliding on this will do the same thing.  What you have to understand is that if you are unsure of yourself while approaching a slide and hesitate or fail to get your feet out front and come in low, that is when 90% of your injuries occur.  Build confidence with these two drills and when you become sure of yourself you will be ready to try and steal a base.  Main thing is DON'T slow down and always totally commit to the slide.  If you find it impossible to gain confidence then try doing head first slides.  There is not as much chance for leg injuries with these.

The other thing you need to do is invest in some good sliding shorts and sliding pads for your shins.  I'm sure you can do it, Devin, you just have to believe in yourself.  Please let me know how it turns out.

Coach Mike