Make sure to practice sliding and remove the fear. When you slide make sure not to slow down maintain the speed.

http://www.softballperformance.com/coaching-softball/lost-art-of-sliding.html

Huge part of the game. Not eneough young girls know how to do it properly. I think one reason is fear. They are all wearing shorts and in the back of thier mind they know it might hurt. Second, to many coaches put it last on their to do list.

My experience is in Softball and it is a must to leave the bag ASAP. Make sure you get the best jump off of the bag possible so yoh have a chance to make it. Do not look anywhere but the bag. Our ladies wear long socks and shorts with a sliding pad on the knee that makes ground contact (some wear sliding shorts underneath.) practice this with a partner so they can tell you to slide sooner or later, faster, or what ever needs to change. Most instances it is necessary to lay back flat to miss a tag. dont' be afraid to get dirty or hurt. you must be at full speed when you slide to get the distance you need to be successful. now go have fun and practice.

Coach Jones

All these sugeestions are awsome. But you do have to be aware of where the ball is. I was taught that you can look at the ball just don't stare at the ball. It;s called a three step. By the third step I need to know if it was a caught line drive ,bouncer to second, poped up to the cathcer, to left field etc. Knowing where the ball is at all times is exteamly important and will also make you a faster and smarter base runner wich in the end means more runs.