Are you curious about how to play first base?Do you want to be ahead of the average ball player at that position?This is something to check out.
Step 1: First base is not the same as the other infield positions.
You're involved in almost every ball hit to an infielder.You are expected to make difficult "scoops" and catch balls that may or may not be thrown accurately.When you throw, it won't be an easy play and you'll need to be accurate.
Step 2: Place yourself correctly.
If a ground ball is hit to the pitcher, they're going to throw it to you very soon.As soon as a ground ball is hit to someone other than you, sprint to first base and position yourself with your foot opposite your glove hand.If you put your foot on the base, you'll break your ankle when the runner spikes you.
Step 3: If you're a right-handed hitter, play a little deeper than the base if it's a left- handed hitter.
You need to be able to get to the base quickly, so don't stray too far from it.If you are left-handed, play closer to the foul line since anything hit down the line will be a "backhand" play for you.If you're right-handed, you can play off the line a bit more since it will be easier for you to grab the ball since your glove hand is closer to them.
Step 4: When you're waiting for the throw from one of your infielders, make sure you get to the base quickly and put your foot on it.
Taking your eyes off the play will allow you to find the base.When you're in position to catch the ball, bring your glove up and open it as wide as your hand will allow, giving your fielder a big target and confidence that you will be catching it.If there is a close play at first, reach toward the fielder so that the ball is in your glove as soon as possible.
Step 5: If a fielder throws a ball that is going to bounce before you, position yourself low, keeping your foot on the base, so that you can block the ball and maybe even catch it in your gut.
If you hold on, it's an out if you get the ball in your hand or glove before the batter reaches first base.
Step 6: If a fielder throws wide of you, you need to make a split-second judgement call, keeping your foot on the base and reaching out, timing your stretch so that if you fall, it is just a decision.
If you can't reach it, leave the base and stop the ball from going past you.This isn't ideal, but it will keep the runner from moving on to second or third base.
Step 7: Good first basemen scoop and throw.
If you play with the same infielders for a while and get familiar with their throwing habits, you will know when a ball needs to be scooped.If a ball is thrown your way but may or may not bounce before reaching you, position your glove with your wrist facing up and the glove wide open, touching the dirt.You have to reach down to the dirt to protect yourself from instinct.In this scenario, most short-hops will bounce into your glove.A lot of playing first base requires you to scoop the ball.
Step 8: If a ball is hit on the ground and there is no one on base, make catching it your first priority.
You need to make sure you have the ball first and then beat the runner to first base.Go directly to first base once you do.If the pitcher is covering the base, you should only throw to him.
Step 9: There are runners on base if a ball is hit to you on the ground.
If there is a force play at the other bases, you may want to throw to get the "lead runner" out.If you want to get outs and not take risks, just get the out at first and then be ready to go after base runners who are far off of other bases.How accurate your arm is.
Step 10: This play is best used by advanced first basemen.
If you have less than two outs and a runner on first, play even with the bag in the baseline.While trying to stay in the base path, if a grounder is hit, you should field it.Then reach out to tag the runner trying to get to second base.Unassisted double play.
Step 11: With a similar scenario as above, except this time you have runners on first and second or the bases are loaded with no outs, the triple play is a thing of the past.
You can throw to third or home after you have executed the Tag & Bag.The fielder will have to make a tag if you get the ball before the runner.You can have a triple play if you practice and execute it.
Step 12: It's a good idea to back up other positions.
You are involved in almost all infield plays as a first baseman.You're not involved in many outfield plays.If there is a play at second base, third base or home plate, be prepared to back up those bases in case a throw gets loose.This is fundamental baseball.