Does Anyone Know How to Play 1st Base?

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Yes. Any MLB player who anchors his right foot on the bag before he knows where the throw is headed is doing it wrong. Believe me, they do it wrong up there, too. There are plenty of bad first basemen in the big leagues. They play because they can hit (if they're in the National League). In the American League, the bad first basemen who can hit end up DH-ing.

 

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I teach our 1B(RH) to anchor right foot. feet close together, athletic position till you know where throw is going. If its wide right, stretch up the line towards right field. You will stretch farther with your left arm, left leg working together then stretching across your body. Watch a MLB game sometime. I guess they are all doing it wrong

I think you are wrong.

Experiment with it.

Take your right foot and place it on the OF side of the bag at the furthest point and backhand stretch and mark the reach.

Now take your left foot and put on the OF side of the bag and reach.

I did it and the distance of the glove is the same.

The only difference is : she isn't stretching and backhanding the ball and falling off the base with her right foot .. she is actually facing the ball.

Personally, I'd rather face the ball.. instead of backhanding it.

 

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Quake,

You would have to have some really quick footwork to decide after the ball was thrown which foot you were going to commit to wouldn't you? Sounds like this is viable, but a lot of movement would be used in a very short time period to decide.

Your thoughts?

 

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Well, it does take footwork... that's the art of it... and it seems to me that too many coaches don't work on it with the girls.

The question is.. do you want a girl to backhand everything thrown on the OF side of first base... because if she plants her right foot on the base as a routine set position... then she is backhanding everything. As an umpire , that is when I see most foot pulled and foot up off the bag calls... because the girl is reaching on a backhand.

I see it soooo much.

It's an art.. but one that will reflect if you put the work into it.

If I'm a coach, I'd rather have my girls catching a throw looking forward than backhanding anything and everything on the OF side of the bag. They lose the angle and I would have to say that many throws have a slight curve to them sometimes.

It's like dancing.

Let's take a bunt on the third base side. ( I see this all the time). The firstbaseman goes to the bag and plants her right foot on the bag and stretches toward the throw coming from the pitcher or third baseman.

Now, she has her right foot on the bag and the ball is thrown on the infield side of the bag. Now, she has to stretch across herself to get the throw. Ball over the head, the firstbaseman because of the early stretch.. can't get to it. Why? she is stretched out and can't jump.

I'm glad this subject came up.. I am.. as it is definately my pet peeve.

Like a ball hit to left for a single... and you see the firstbaseman on the bag with her right foot....LOL.. To me, it's like.. "What the heck are you doing on the bag?" There is no thrown coming there to you and she obstructs the runner. Most coaches (offensive) look at you.. you got your arm out for obstruction.. and then don't send the girl to second base for the free base... as second is now free to the runner. Then the coach comes to you and tells you about the firstbaseman obstructing the runner... and as an umpire you say yes, but you didn't send her to second so I can't give her second.

Be a base coach... Be a coach and teach your girls the run past a firstbaseman standing on the bag and bump her and go to second free. It's the art of teaching the game.

A ball hit to left field, the first baseman should circle in behind the runner... and if the ball is thrown to second on the inside part of the bag.. then get to the inside of first base and prepare yourself for a thrown back to you. If the throw from the outfield to second base is on the outfield side of the bag... then the first baseman should be setting up on the outfield side of first base for the angle of the throw. I see so many times, the perfect out not gotten on a throw back to first because the first baseman is standing on top of the bag, and the second baseman is throwing into the back of the runner.. because she is throwing at a mispositioned first baseman.

Let's take this for example. Runner on second base- one out. It's a bunt to third baseman. First baseman has right foot on the bag and is stretched out. High throw and ball goes into the outfield. First, the first baseman if she wasn't stretched early could jump and flag down the ball... even if she doesn't get the out.. at least it didn't go into right field and a runner scores from second. But lets say it did go into the outfield.. now we have the runner on second scoring and the batter standing on third with one out... all because the first baseman is stretched or taught to stretch early for a throw.

Now your one run lead is gone and it is tied with the winning run on third and one out. Bunt and it's over.... you lose.

And why did you lose... because you, as a coach, taught the girl to stretch early for the ball and she couldn't jump for a ball thrown to her that hit the top of her glove in an outstetched position or a throw that just went inches over her glove.

I just think it is the one position that nobody teaches anymore. Remember, the firstbaseman gets outs when she catches the ball.

 

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Well, it does take footwork... that's the art of it... and it seems to me that too many coaches don't work on it with the girls.

The question is.. do you want a girl to backhand everything thrown on the OF side of first base... because if she plants her right foot on the base as a routine set position... then she is backhanding everything. As an umpire , that is when I see most foot pulled and foot up off the bag calls... because the girl is reaching on a backhand.

I see it soooo much.

It's an art.. but one that will reflect if you put the work into it.

If I'm a coach, I'd rather have my girls catching a throw looking forward than backhanding anything and everything on the OF side of the bag. They lose the angle and I would have to say that many throws have a slight curve to them sometimes.

It's like dancing.

Let's take a bunt on the third base side. ( I see this all the time). The firstbaseman goes to the bag and plants her right foot on the bag and stretches toward the throw coming from the pitcher or third baseman.

Now, she has her right foot on the bag and the ball is thrown on the infield side of the bag. Now, she has to stretch across herself to get the throw. Ball over the head, the firstbaseman because of the early stretch.. can't get to it. Why? she is stretched out and can't jump.

I'm glad this subject came up.. I am.. as it is definately my pet peeve.

Like a ball hit to left for a single... and you see the firstbaseman on the bag with her right foot....LOL.. To me, it's like.. "What the heck are you doing on the bag?" There is no thrown coming there to you and she obstructs the runner. Most coaches (offensive) look at you.. you got your arm out for obstruction.. and then don't send the girl to second base for the free base... as second is now free to the runner. Then the coach comes to you and tells you about the firstbaseman obstructing the runner... and as an umpire you say yes, but you didn't send her to second so I can't give her second.

Be a base coach... Be a coach and teach your girls the run past a firstbaseman standing on the bag and bump her and go to second free. It's the art of teaching the game.

A ball hit to left field, the first baseman should circle in behind the runner... and if the ball is thrown to second on the inside part of the bag.. then get to the inside of first base and prepare yourself for a thrown back to you. If the throw from the outfield to second base is on the outfield side of the bag... then the first baseman should be setting up on the outfield side of first base for the angle of the throw. I see so many times, the perfect out not gotten on a throw back to first because the first baseman is standing on top of the bag, and the second baseman is throwing into the back of the runner.. because she is throwing at a mispositioned first baseman.

Let's take this for example. Runner on second base- one out. It's a bunt to third baseman. First baseman has right foot on the bag and is stretched out. High throw and ball goes into the outfield. First, the first baseman if she wasn't stretched early could jump and flag down the ball... even if she doesn't get the out.. at least it didn't go into right field and a runner scores from second. But lets say it did go into the outfield.. now we have the runner on second scoring and the batter standing on third with one out... all because the first baseman is stretched or taught to stretch early for a throw.

Now your one run lead is gone and it is tied with the winning run on third and one out. Bunt and it's over.... you lose.

And why did you lose... because you, as a coach, taught the girl to stretch early for the ball and she couldn't jump for a ball thrown to her that hit the top of her glove in an outstetched position or a throw that just went inches over her glove.

I just think it is the one position that nobody teaches anymore. Remember, the firstbaseman gets outs when she catches the ball.

Quake,

First off, I RESPECTFULLY disagree. . I would never tell my girls to bump a player to gain another base. Secondly, I am pretty sure even with your left foot on the bag, you will have to "backhand" a ball thrown to the outfield side.
Lastly, my DD does NOT go into her stretch until she sees where the ball will be thrown to. She GREETS the ball, not MEETS the ball at first.

 

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I love the idea you teach your daughter not to pre-stretch.. That is great.

As for teaching a bump.. not slamming her or nothing like that.. but bump her. The first baseman makes the mistake to stay on the bag on a single to left... I'm teaching bumping her on my way to second. Part of the game.

as for having the left foot on the bag and stretching to the outfield side.... do the test I said.

Take your left foot and put it on the outside of the bag towards the outfield. Mark the distance of your reach straight down.

Now, take the right foot and place on the outfield side of the bag and stretch for a ball ( which anything thrown that way towards the outfield) . Is she not backhanding EVERY single throw to the outfield side of first? Why backhand a perfect little throw to the outfield side of first base? Why not, shift your foot and catch the ball looking straight at it?

Just experiment with it....

Sorry, I disagree with you about the bump. I'm here to win ballgames. That's what is expected of me as a coach. ( If I was one). If the opposing coach doesn't teach the game of softball and mechanics to their first baseman.. I'm taking advantage of it. That's my job as a coach.

Same way at second. Same way at third.

 

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Some people are so far behind in the race they actually believe their winning!

You mean were not?

 

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If you believe that just because a 1st basemen does not straddle the bag before anchoring her foot then she is untraught, I will have to disagree with you. I will say that improper mechanics, or just a plain ol mistake will make a 1st basemen apear to be untrained. However, I believe what you are talking about with straddling bag until ball is thrown is old school baseball technique? Fastpitch is much much faster and players are at the bag quicker.

Example, our 3rd baseman commonly will realease the ball towards first from a slapper before our 1st basmen is even at the bag yet! and you say she should get to the bag, turn, straddle, pick up the ball and then use appropriate foot? Not gonna happen in under 3 seconds!

I cannot recall any 1st basemen that use the technique you are talking about and I could not say that all the 1st basers I know are bad or untrained....

The advantage you create by straddling is small and most of the time, because of speed, impractical. Become experienced at getting there reading the ball before you stretch and catching it. Your time would be better spent on infielders and their throws to 1st! Just my 2 cents

 

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I just see so many overthrows that I think the first baseman could have gotten.. if she wasn't stretched out before the throw.

I guess I like the theory that 3rd baseman takes bunts on her side and the pitcher takes the middle and first base side. That way you can position your first baseman for the out near the bag. If you have to... put your second baseman up there. I see that being done more successfully anymore.

 

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I think you are wrong.

Experiment with it.

Take your right foot and place it on the OF side of the bag at the furthest point and backhand stretch and mark the reach.

Now take your left foot and put on the OF side of the bag and reach.

I did it and the distance of the glove is the same.

The only difference is : she isn't stretching and backhanding the ball and falling off the base with her right foot .. she is actually facing the ball.

Personally, I'd rather face the ball.. instead of backhanding it I tried your experiment. I lose ground when I do not step with the proper foot. Make it simple, stretch to the ball not the player throwing the ball . The ball dictates where you stretch. In one of your scenarios I think the girl should of gave up on the out and come off the bag, blocked it , or whatever it took to keep runners from scoring. Don't try to be a hero unless the situation says you should.

 

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If you believe that just because a 1st basemen does not straddle the bag before anchoring her foot then she is untraught, I will have to disagree with you. I will say that improper mechanics, or just a plain ol mistake will make a 1st basemen apear to be untrained. However, I believe what you are talking about with straddling bag until ball is thrown is old school baseball technique? Fastpitch is much much faster and players are at the bag quicker.

Example, our 3rd baseman commonly will realease the ball towards first from a slapper before our 1st basmen is even at the bag yet! and you say she should get to the bag, turn, straddle, pick up the ball and then use appropriate foot? Not gonna happen in under 3 seconds!

I cannot recall any 1st basemen that use the technique you are talking about and I could not say that all the 1st basers I know are bad or untrained....

The advantage you create by straddling is small and most of the time, because of speed, impractical. Become experienced at getting there reading the ball before you stretch and catching it. Your time would be better spent on infielders and their throws to 1st! Just my 2 cents

My two cents, I think the first baseman is too far from the bag if they are not able to get to the bag and situate their feet. If they are playing in, then the second basemand has to do it. Stretch to the ball not the player throwing it. If you do not maximize your stretch you are losing valuable time and distance to get the batter/runner out. Softball is a very fast game but with the right teaching it can be done. Watch the college world series, for the most part, their foot work is very good and they do not pre commit on their stretch. They seldom stretch too far at all unless a longer throw is being made, but they still have time to get their feet situated.

 

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I see everyone agrees with the do not stretch before reading the ball.. that is the given. I'm talking about straddling the bag. Place right foot on bag, read ball then stretch to it. If you do not stretch before hand, you can even switch feet for a bad throw(I've seen it work this way) but to say get in a position straddling the bag before the ball is crazy and that is why no one does it anymore... like you sadi even in the bigs they dont. I have seen very good pro 1st basemen though set, read ball then switch feet to make a clean play!!

It is just the straddling thing that is outdated.. My opinion as to why it is not seen.

 

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I see everyone agrees with the do not stretch before reading the ball.. that is the given. I'm talking about straddling the bag. Place right foot on bag, read ball then stretch to it. If you do not stretch before hand, you can even switch feet for a bad throw(I've seen it work this way) but to say get in a position straddling the bag before the ball is crazy and that is why no one does it anymore... like you sadi even in the bigs they dont. I have seen very good pro 1st basemen though set, read ball then switch feet to make a clean play!!

It is just the straddling thing that is outdated.. My opinion as to why it is not seen.

I played 1st base growing up (natural lefty) and have never heard of straddling the bag at 1B. Why would anyone do that, and risk a collision (if I'm reading this right)?. I teach it like others have stated...stay tall but slightly bent, then stretch towards the ball after release and after you've read it's trajectory. I also teach square to the catcher on a throw from the plate (at safety bag if in foul territory) and drill the foot reversal on an errant throw.

With a lefty at first, you have an advantage in foot placement when it comes to pickoffs, and also in throws to other bases. You can sweep while facing the infield.

Straddling at 2B has it's benefits in giving you the option to step towards any ball in the dirt and drag the back foot to make the force out.

 

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I've seen alot of low throws from third and short (i guess that's another topic, left side infielders who throw low, lol), that tend to hop away because the first baseman do not scoop properly. My DD plays a lot of second base, and she frequently covers on bunts so she's getting better about having her feet in the proper position and scooping those crazy throws.

And someone did say, there are alot of unskilled, huge, hitting only first basemen that wouldn't be playing any place else other than DH. You're asking some 6 foot Betty Behemoth to actually stretch and bend down for a ball. not happenin

 

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Crush:

The "straddling thing" allows the first baseman to be standing in an athletic position so that she is ready to come away from the bag and either catch or block the ball in the event of an errant throw--and to choose a foot to use depending upon the direction of the throw. It is much easier to choose a foot when your feet are in neutral positions, than it is when one is already anchored and the other is set forward. Depending upon the game situation, it might be a lot better to shuffle off the bag toward right field and block the ball than to stretch and try to back hand a short-hop. If the ball gets past the first baseman and results in a tying or winning run reaching second base, then it's obvious that blocking the ball would have been the better choice. No one stretching toward a throw with the right foot anchored is going to be able to come off the bag and block the ball. In addition, it is easier to make a catch and tag going toward home if you are straddling the bag in an athletic position rather than anchored as the ball approaches. It is easier as well to step back and take a high throw on the back side of the bag while stepping into the coach's box (on the safety base if there is one). You simply have more balance and can move quicker from an athletic stance. Why do you think basketball coaches want their players in such a stance when they play defense? It doesn't matter how quick the game is. This footwork can be mastered with practice. All it takes is a coach who understands that good technique wins games--and a player who is willing to work.

 

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I see everyone agrees with the do not stretch before reading the ball.. that is the given. I'm talking about straddling the bag. Place right foot on bag, read ball then stretch to it. If you do not stretch before hand, you can even switch feet for a bad throw(I've seen it work this way) but to say get in a position straddling the bag before the ball is crazy and that is why no one does it anymore... like you sadi even in the bigs they dont. I have seen very good pro 1st basemen though set, read ball then switch feet to make a clean play!!

It is just the straddling thing that is outdated.. My opinion as to why it is not seen.

I don't really understand the straddling thing, I believe that if you have time, the first baseman should have both heals against the base with the corner in between, unless the throw is coming from the right side of the field, then both heals should be against the base. Once the ball is thrown they then can adjust both feet to get the most out of the stretch, why have your plant foot on the opposite side of the base that the ball is being thrown from, you would be losing ground. It takes a ton of practice for the 1st baseman, but once they get it , you would be amazed at how many balls are being stopped or caught when ordinarily they would be missed or not even touched. It is very hard for the younger kids but if they can master it , it will benefit them greatly in the future , and their teams also.

 

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It's not the idea of stradling the bag, people. just no foot committed.

Say there is a bunt down the third base line and either the first baseman or the second baseman is covering.

Obviously, you want the throw on the inside of the bag.

What foot would you tell her to start on the bag with?

 

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My biggest thing is... I have seen so many balls that could have been caught by the first baseman if they were taught properly.

Because, obviously, a pre-stretching ( and you see this all the time).. she sure can't jump.

 

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OK, since I am flexible and a nice guy, I will work with my dd on using this technique for a bunt only for now...I do see where that might be advantageous....

 

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My biggest thing is... I have seen so many balls that could have been caught by the first baseman if they were taught properly.

Because, obviously, a pre-stretching ( and you see this all the time).. she sure can't jump.

I totally agree with that.