Friday, May 25, 2012

Baseball Safety Made Simple

By Carole Ashley


Everyone who plays baseball should be aware of the potential dangers that exist on the field 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. When players have the right gear and use common sense principles, it's not that hard to stay safe in baseball What follows are some sensible safety tips that can keep players healthy and safe.

Communication is an important part of safety in any sport When infielders or outfielders are trying to catch a ball, for instance, they have to communicate with each other. Two players colliding over the ball can be a dangerous situation, and one that's easily avoided by someone yelling, "I got it," or "Yours!" 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. It's important to drill players on this type of scenario so they know which fielder should be given the play, based on where it is. While everyone wants to catch the ball, they also have to be taught to always be aware of the location of their teammates.

Bats are one of the most potentially hazardous items on the baseball field. Bats should only be swung when necessary during games and practices. Aside from when they're actually at bat, the only time a player should be swinging a bat on the field is when they're on deck. 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.

Players should learn how to run the bases safely. Running around the bases is not always a straightforward task. For one thing, it's a circular path, which is trickier than running in a straight line. There's also the fact of uncertainty, when the runner may hesitate and then speed up again, along with the potential for collisions with other players. These factors can all cause carelessness, so it's important that players pay attention to their form and how they're moving at all times. This is an area where good physical conditioning is important for staying healthy and avoiding injuries. For both the sake of winning games and keeping players safe, it's a good idea for coaches to include base running drills during practice sessions.

Safety should always be an area of concern in baseball, and it's often the little things that make a difference. 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. Most injuries in baseball can be prevented by adhering to the kind of sensible safety tips we've covered in this article.




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