Each year I see a half dozen hitters slide into first base after they hit the ball into the infield.  Usually I hear a couple spectators discussing the choice after the play is over, regardless if the hitter is safe or out.  Does it slow a runner down?  Should coaches teach this technique in their baseball drills?  Is there some sort of advantage that more players could utilize? 

The discussion around the topic of sliding into first base is regarding the speed in which the runner passes over the base.  That, however, is not the topic of this article.  The choice to slide into first base usually accompanies the hitter’s suspect of a bad throw to first.  Therefore, the point I’ll make is that sliding into first base greatly limits a runner's ability to advance on to second base should there be an errant throw from an infielder.

Good baseball instruction discusses and drills on the preparation and positioning of the base runner to move towards second base when there is an overthrow at first base.  A good runner on any close play will run through first base at full speed and then begin to break down his stride quickly, but naturally in case of a bad throw.  This is a fairly simple and intentional movement and is recognized by the widening of the steps until the runner is in an athletic position slightly inside the baseline.  As this breakdown of the strike is occurring, the hitter will take a quick peek to his right to see if the throw has been thrown past the first baseman.  If so, the runner will break for second base in a straight path.  His chance of success has been greatly improved because of his preparation and anticipation of a bad throw. 

Sliding into first base therefore, stops the momentum of the base runner.  And as mentioned earlier, a hitter who chooses to slide into first base has most likely seen something that indicates a bad throw may occur.  If a runner's momentum is stopped by a slide and there is a bad throw, energy must be created once again in order for the runner to get to second base successfully.

All things equal then, sliding into first base is quite unproductive from the stand point of advancing bases.  In addition, there is a high likelihood that a runner who chooses to sprint through the base will be safe if the throw pulls the first baseman off the bag.

Good baseball drills can break this habit and insure that all runners have a better chance to advance on to second base.