137 Sliding Practice (1/2)
We finished our classes, got ready for practice in the club room, and started our warmups. Zeke led us at a steady pace, reminding us to be careful stretching to make sure we avoid injuries before tomorrow's game. Afterwards, we followed routine: I went to Drew as the team got to start batting practice.
”Don't look so depressed.” Drew put a hand on my shoulder, drawing my gaze away from my teammates and their practice. ”We're going to do something new today. Your coaches told me about your games this past weekend. Congrats on doing well and winning.”
”Thanks.” I mumbled.
”They also told me about your lack of ability in sliding and stealing bases.”
I blushed and looked away. Surprisingly when I turned my attention away from Drew, I spotted Mr. Miller headed our way in his golf cart. A long piece of cardboard was flapping up and down on top of the cart. He pulled up next to us and hopped out. ”Found what you asked for, Vish.” Drew and him unattached the cardboard from the cart and laid it on the grass. It was three feet wide, and over ten feet long. Mr. Miller got back on the cart. ”Work hard Bambi. You can join us for fielding after an hour with Vish.” He drove off with a simple wave, leaving me dumbfounded.
Who's Vish? I looked at Drew, and gathered my courage before asking, ”Is he calling you Vish?”
Drew laughed. ”Yea. It's a nickname that a lot of coaches call me by. It's a play on words. My last name is Vishnevsky...a little hard to pronounce so you cut it short, Vish. And it rhymes with fish so it's easy to remember. Now come here and sit on one end of this cardboard.”
I plopped down on one side.
”You know I'm an athletic trainer, right?” I nodded. ”Well, I really emphasize the training part. So I know multiple drills for many sports. Yesterday, Coach Wilcox called to tell me about your difficulties in sliding so I volunteered to help.”
The red on my face didn't go away; in fact I felt even more warm. So embarrassing. I looked at the cardboard, not sure how this was supposed to help.
”Don't worry about the cardboard for right now. Let's start with the fundamentals.” He started to instruct me. ”While you're sitting on the ground, keep one leg straight out and the other leg bent, and then place it underneath the straight leg creating a figure four shape.” I did what I was told. ”The straight leg should be bent slightly at the knee, and the heel should be raised off the ground to prevent catching the ground with the cleats. So kind of use the bent leg under your straight leg to help you keep your foot elevated.”