A comparison of base running and sliding techniques in collegiate baseball with implications for sliding into first base

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare 4 techniques for arrival at a base after sprinting maximally to reach it: sliding head-first, sliding feet-first, running through the base without slowing, and stopping on the base. A secondary purpose of the study was to determine any advantage there may be to diving into first base to arrive sooner than running through the base.MethodsTwo high-definition video cameras were used to capture 3-dimensional kinematics of sliding techniques of 9 intercollegiate baseball players. Another video camera was used to time runs from first base to second in 4 counterbalanced conditions: running through the base, sliding head-first, sliding feet-first, and running to a stop. Mathematical modeling was used to simulate diving to first base such that the slide would begin when the hand touches the base.ResultsBased upon overall results, the quickest way to the base is by running through it, followed by head-first, feet-first, and running to a stop.ConclusionThere was a non-significant trend toward an advantage for diving into first base over running through it, but more research is needed, and even if the advantage is real, the risks of executing this technique probably outweigh the miniscule gain.

Getting to first base: Running is faster than sliding in collegiate baseball and softball players

“…In a more recent study, Ficklin et al. 13 compared four arrival techniques to second base in nine intercollegiate baseball players. Following a warm-up, participants performed maximal effort runs from a lead-off position approximately 4 m ahead of first base toward second base.…”

“…Ficklin et al. 13 also split the entire 22.9 m run into the first 12.9 m and final 10.0 m for analysis. Since the researchers measured participant center of mass with video analysis, they did not require participants to make contact with second base when performing the run through trials.…”

“…Ficklin et al. 13 contended the time differences observed between the four arrival techniques were due to differences in movement mechanics over the final 10 m when approaching the base, and suggested even though sliding head-first may provide a reach advantage in some situations, running through the base allows the runner to remain upright and advance to the next base quickly if warranted.…”

“…While sliding or diving head-first does not get a runner to first base quicker than running, 12,13 players that are desperate to get a hit or reach base in a particular situation may elect to slide even though it is commonly believed that sliding head-first into first base is more dangerous. 12 Dick et al.…”

Estrutura Das Tarefas De Treinamento Em Modalidades Esportivas Coletivas: Análise Da Produção Científica

“…No que tange ao treinamento esportivo, evidencia-se a importância da análise do planejamento e da organização das tarefas ministradas pelos treinadores durante as sessões de treino (IBÁÑEZ; FEU; CAÑADAS, 2016). Contudo, apesar da reconhecida relevância da pesquisa científica relacionada aos aspectos pedagógicos do treinamento esportivo, em especial da estruturação das tarefas de treino (CAÑADAS; SOLBES; FEU, 2015; IBÁÑEZ; JIMÉNEZ; ANTÚNEZ, 2015), esta ainda se apresenta escassa em comparação a dos aspectos fisiológicos (KUNRATH et al, 2016;PEIXOTO et al, 2016), biomecânicos (BENJAMINSE et al, 2017;FICKLIN; DAPENA; BRUNFELDT, 2016) e psicológicos (FORTES et al, 2017;MACHADO et al, 2016) voltados ao desempenho esportivo.…”