Tips for playing first base, first basemen must have the same skills as other infielders such as catching the ball, being quick on their feet and have good hand eye coordination. but most importantly, the youth baseball player has to be able to expect a bad throw from the other positions. Here is the proper way to play first base. Get Noticed For His Ability, Throw Harder, Throw more Strikes
Where do you put your foot ?
- Which foot does a player put on the base? The proper foot to place on the bag is the foot opposite of the glove hand. We call this the anchor foot. If your glove is on your left hand(right-handed players), you would have your right foot on the edge of the bag. Left handed players would have their left foot on the bag.
- Where do you put your anchor foot when playing first base? Putting your anchor foot in the right place will accomplish two things. First you will avoid injury. When the first baseman has his foot on top of the bag(base), it is very likely there will be a collision with the base runner and one or both of the players will get hurt, and probably not make the what would be a routine play. Second of all, having your anchor foot in the right spot can make up those few inches you might need on a close play. Place your anchor foot according to where the ball was hit. This means a ball hit toward third, you will want your anchor foot toward the front corner of the bag. A ball hit to shortstop, you would place your anchor foot on the edge of the middle of first base. A ball hit to second the anchor foot would be closer to the back corner of first base.
- Stretch – When do you stretch to catch the ball on a close play? This is a mistake many youth baseball players make.. stretching too soon. If the throw is wild the first baseman will have a hard time to recover and stop the ball if he has already stretched. The proper way is to see the ball come off the bat. Place your anchor foot in the right place, see the throw.. then stretch toward the ball. This will allow the first baseman to come off the bag quickly once he tracks the ball. It is better to come off the bag and stop the ball than to give up a base on an error, no matter where the error came from.
- Come off the bag after you catch it to avoid collision with the base runner. Do not come off until the ball is in the glove and the play is called by the umpire.
First base gets a lot of action and is a crucial position youth baseball. In all levels of baseball a lot of plays are made at first, and a lot of runs are scored if first base is not played properly. Be sure and practice footwork (where to put your foot and when to come off the bag) and first base will be a very exciting position for players , parents, and coaches.
