Teaching Kids to Play First Base
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photo credit: pastorbuhro First Base - Most people think playing first base is easy but playing it correctly is not as easy as it looks or as easy as people think. It takes good concentration and, of course, very good footwork. Besides catcher, there is no one on the field that handles receiving the ball more, so coaches need to have one of their most sure handed players at this position. With this in mind, here are the important points that coaches teach kids when learning the 1B position:
1. Except for the ball batted around home plate, the first baseman should have the foot opposite their glove hand on the base to receive the throw. This is very important for being able to stretch out completely as well as for overall balance when cathcing balls.
2. Players need to be taught that they only have the inner 1/4 of the base to step on when receiving the ball as the runner will be stepping on the top of base. Injury can obviously occur when their foot is on top of the base.
3. Players should square their shoulders up to the thrower and learn not to stride out until they see the direction of where the ball is thrown. This is one of the keys to playing a good 1B, but takes time for young ballplayers to learn.
4. 1B is a one handed position where players must learn to rely on catching most balls with their glove only, and thus the reason for a first basemans glove. This can be a difficult thing to learn for unsure handed players and for kids who constantly rely on catching the ball with both hands.
5. Learning to pick balls out of the dirt is a key as players get to higher levels of ball and requires great technique and footwork to become good at. Practicing with a softer ball for balls thrown in the dirt can be helpful.
6. Holding runners on when leadoffs are allowed is another aspect of first to be learned.
7. At the higher levels of ball, first baseman have important responsibilities for covering bunt plays and being in correct cut-off position on certain throws from the outfield.
8. Correct positioning, based on the game situation, is another important aspect that good coaches teach their first baseman.
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