Head-first versus feet-first sliding: a comparison of speed from base to base.
BACKGROUND
Two basic baseball sliding techniques, feet-first and head-first, are taught at all levels of play. Because of the risk for injury to the upper extremities and the cervical spine during head-first sliding, it is potentially more dangerous than feet-first sliding. There is an assumption among coaches that head-first sliding is more aggressive and faster, but there has been no scientific study to prove this claim.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine which technique provides a faster slide into the base.


METHODS
Controlled field study.


METHODS
A total of 60 players ranging from Little League to college level was analyzed. Each athlete was evaluated three times from a standing start at first base to either a head-first or feet-first touch of second base. Each athlete was also timed in a 40-yard sprint and his or her preferred sliding technique was recorded.


RESULTS
We found no statistically significant difference in speed between head-first and feet-first sliding at all levels of play in this study.
Kane
Steven M
SM
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA.
House
Hugh O
HO
Overgaard
Kristi A
KA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001484:Baseball; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis