| If you are a base runner on first base and a | | | | the ball away and you may now have two |
| ground ball is headed to the second baseman, | | | | runners on with less than two outs, rather than |
| make a quick observation as to where the | | | | having one runner on and possibly two outs. |
| second baseman is going to field the ball. If the | | | | It creates an entirely different scenario and this |
| second baseman is going to his left and into the | | | | simple baseball base running technique can lead to |
| hole to field the grounder, it would be very wise | | | | a big inning. Most people in attendance at the |
| for you NOT to slide into second base. If you | | | | game, including players and coaches, won't even |
| slide, you are opening up a throwing lane for the | | | | notice what happened because it is a very good |
| second baseman to his shortstop. A much better | | | | play that very few are aware of. |
| choice is to avoid sliding and run slightly to the | | | | Another time to at least consider not sliding into |
| right side of the baseline. It's a very easy and | | | | second base is if you are on first base and a pick |
| intelligent play that unfortunately, not too many | | | | off throw gets away from the first baseman. |
| base runners put to good use. | | | | When the pick off throw gets away, immediately |
| By not sliding and running on the right side of the | | | | look over your shoulder and make a very quick |
| base line, there is a very good chance that when | | | | determination as to where you think the ball will |
| the second baseman fields the grounder, he will | | | | be picked up by the first baseman or one of the |
| look toward second base and see you and not be | | | | other fielders. |
| able to see his shortstop. A simple thing like this | | | | If you think the ball will be fielded far enough |
| can create chaos for the team in the field. One | | | | away that you can possibly go to third base, you |
| possibility is that the second baseman will not | | | | do not want to slide into second base and waste |
| even attempt to get the force out and you will | | | | time getting up from sliding and then consider |
| now be in scoring position at second base. | | | | going to third base. Just remember to make that |
| Another possibility is that if the second baseman | | | | very quick judgment as to where you think one |
| does attempt the throw to second base, he will | | | | of the fielders will pick up the ball. |
| alter his throw because he has to either get it | | | | These are two very good baseball base running |
| over you or around you. He could very well throw | | | | tips that unfortunately, not too many know about. |