sliding inside

Question
high school varsity  please tell me the best  way to teach sliding  inside  the gym. in wisc. we can't get outside till the first game.  in the gym i am concerned about twisted angles.  please give me some advice.

Answer
For Indoors use the gym floor with sweatpants and sliding pads over them. Take off shoes and use socks.


When to Slide
1. To avoid a tag.
2. To stop at the base.
3. To break up a double play.
4. To get back to base.
5. Always when play is close.

Length of Slide
12' or about two body lengths from base.

Direction of Slide
1. Sliding to right side, usually use right foot as takeoff foot.
2. Going to left side, use left foot as takeoff.
3. As takeoff occurs, the arms are thrown up, the upper body is extended backwards and the feet forward, all somewhat close to parallel to the ground.

Landing
On buttocks, head up, arms out for balance and toes upward.

Bent-Leg Slide
1. In addition to above, tuck left leg or right leg in a bent position and place under other leg.
2. Use the bent-leg position to teach the beginner to insure that the she will slide and injury will be avoided. Thus, she develops confidence and aggressive baserunning techniques.


DRILLS


All players sit on the floor or grass and alternate placing one leg straight and the other in the bent-leg tucked position (Caution: remember, have them remove shoes and have pads on over pants).
By putting hands behind themselves while in the sitting position, they push their body forward on floor.
Here they are getting used to the position and finding out which side is comfortable. Sliders can be left or right so far as which side is more comfortable in the sliding position.
All players from a standing position practice the fall into the bent-leg slide (Caution: We use no steps, as yet). Player should concentrate on her landing and direction and getting the bent-leg tucked in underneath.
All players practice from a standing position with three walking steps. Players that are comfortable on either side should practice both; however, others should perfect their best side first.
All players practice drill from a standing position with a running four-to-five step start.
During drills, coaches can correct faults by checking landing position, hands out, body extended with head up, bent leg and tucked underneath and toes up. Buttocks and calf of bent leg should show the wear of absorbing the force of the slide; otherwise, the person is landing incorrectly.