Playing First Base

Desirable Characteristics:

1. Should be tall and agile.
2. Should have quick hands and feet.
3. Preferable if left handed making it easier to field bunts and throw to third base.
4. Should be able to hit with some power.

Fielding Tips For Playing First Base

• You must ALWAYS play close enough to the base to be able to take the throw. Straddle the base with your feet while waiting for the throw. If the throw is on line, stretch out and catch it. If the throw is on the home plate side of first, put your right foot on the bag and stretch with your left. If the throw is on the outfield side of first, put your left foot on the base and stretch with your right foot
• When throwing to the pitcher covering first, throw shoulder high at least two steps before the base; throw it, don’t toss it unless you are very close; you can throw more accurately than tossing.
• When holding a runner on base, put your pivot foot on the base and the other foot shoulder width apart towards the pitcher.
• Pop off of the base and cover your position or you will create a large hole in the infield.
• Charge hard on bunts.
• Let EVERYONE know if the runner is stealing; be loud.
• You are responsible for taking relay throws to home on hits to center and right fields.
• On a dropped third strike that goes to the screen, clear yourself for the throw from the catcher to the outside of the baseline.
• Back-up throws to second base from the left and center fields.
• In a close game, guard the line in later innings.

Related posts:

1. Baseball Fielding Positions P: Pitcher (Position “number” 1) - While the primary role...
2. Fielding Techniques: Throwing A Baseball Each position player on the baseball field has to know...
3. The Fundamentals Of Baseball Fielding Glove should be on the ground and glove and...
4. Fielding Fundamentals: 16 Tips For Playing The Infield Be aware and consider the speed of the batter...