Fundamentals of First Base

1. Spend a lot of time on leg movement and shifting your feet by taking throws on each side of the bag.
2. Play as far off the bag as you can and still be in position to be able to get to the bag to accept the throw.
3. On any bad throw, leave the bag if you have to in order to prevent the ball from getting away.
4. Field ground balls when possible in front of you, head down and eyes on the ball.
5. Spend many hours on the most difficult play of all - the double play going first to second and back to first.
6. On the play with the pitcher covering first, give a lead throw, chest high, before he reaches the bag.
7. On balls hit to the right - don't hestitate - the second baseman may not be able to make the play.
8. Take all fly balls from home plate out in pitcher's territory on the first base side.
9. Play the hitters, especially left handed pull hitters.
10. Guard the right field foul line in late stages of a close game.
11. In bunt situations with men on first and second, break fast and try to make the play to third base.
12. Line up all throws from the outfield to home play with the exception of the play the third baseman lines up. This is generally a hit to the left fielder.
13. On balls fielded by the catcher or pitcher along the foul line, give the thrower a good target inside the line to avoid hitting a runner.
14. Practice stretching out to receive throws. One step may be the difference between a safe hit and out.
15. Know the game situations at all times, inning, count, score, type of hitter, speed, etc.