Thursday, April 7, 2011

Baseball Safety Made Simple

By Dana Cain


Baseball, like any sport, has certain safety principles that should always be followed by all players In some ways, the fact that baseball is not a contact sport can make it more hazardous in that players aren't always prepared for accidents That's why it's essential that everyone has the protective equipment required by their position and follows the proper guidelines What follows are some sensible safety tips that can keep players healthy and safe

Communication is an important part of safety in any sport For example, players in the field must be taught to be clear about communicating when a pop up or fly ball comes their way Calling a fly ball is something that should be done at all times, as otherwise collisions can occur Of course, confusion can still occur if two players both call for it at the same time, but at least then they'll be aware of each other's presence and can hopefully sort it out That's why coaches should instruct players who should cover which parts of the field to avoid confusion Both infielders and outfielders must learn to keep an eye on other players as well as the ball for safety reasons

Bats are one of the most potentially hazardous items on the baseball field Bats should only be swung when necessary during games and practices If someone isn't up to bat or on deck, they shouldn't be swinging a bat in the dugout or on the field If you see someone holding a bat, always stay far enough away to avoid injury if the player isn't paying attention and starts practicing his swing Any player holding a bat should always look to make sure no one is nearby before swinging it Bats should always be treated with respect, both by the person holding or swinging one and other players, who need to keep their distance

Running the bases is another area of baseball where safety must be considered There are many possible pitfalls when running the bases To begin with, you don't run straight ahead, but around the shape of the infield, which can make it easier to trip or sprain something Then there are players on the opposing team to watch out for, and the runner may be uncertain as to whether to stop at a base or continue to the next one Good base running is an essential skill, both for playing well and for staying safe during games The better a player's overall fitness, of course, the less chance that an injury will occur when base running Coaches should drill players on base running skills so that they know how to do this safely and effectively

If safety guidelines are always followed, baseball can be enjoyed with far fewer injuries and problems That's one of the responsibilities of coaches, especially when coaching kids' leagues, as younger players may have to be reminded to wear the right gear and follow safety guidelines While no sport can be 100% safe, if you remember these points, baseball can be made a lot safer for everyone




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