How to Play First Base in Softball
In the event of a base hit, first base is the place to make or break the play. First basemen should be good at catching under pressure. "Height and size are needed in this position," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University. "First basemen need to be able to cover a wide range of throws coming at them."
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Things You'll Need
- Softball Cleats
- Softball First Base Mitts
- Softball Glove Conditioner Cream
- Softballs
Instructions
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Position yourself as soon as the ball is hit, with your feet apart and glove up at shoulder height. Face the throw with your weight on the balls of your feet.
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Throw to the pitcher if he or she covers first while you field the ball.
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Monitor foul balls and pop flies that come your way. Catch a fly ball, ideally, on your throwing-hand side. Point your fingers toward the sky, with your palm facing the ball. Extend and bend your arm, keeping your elbow down. A common mistake when catching a fly ball is to lift the elbow.
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Position yourself on the corner of the bag farthest from the runner, so he or she doesn't run you over. Keep your heel on the bag.
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Step out to the ball with your glove instead of waiting for it to come all the way to you. Keep your elbow slightly bent to absorb the shock on the catch.
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Tag the base (if you had to step off) before the runner does.
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Tips & Warnings
Softball is a physically challenging sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.
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Comments
View all 10 Comments-
Treads04
Mar 11, 2008
In fast pitch softball, when you cross from 10 and under to 12 and under. You play 12 and under rules. The runner can take a lead off when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Watch your runner (Especially when they try to steal to second base.) Let your team mates know that they are stealing. Also, remind your second base and the right fielder to back you up on throws and hits to first base. -
Aug 08, 2006
First basemen must be adept at catching throws with one hand. As you stretch toward the incoming throw, reach with your glove hand only and follow the ball with both eyes (nose to the ball) into the glove. Most players can reach several inches further with one hand than with two. Safe versus out at first is often by a fraction of a step - the one handed stretch will result in more outs.
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Aug 08, 2006
You can increase you productivity if you are limber. The closer you get the glove to the incoming ball the better. Mere split seconds count. Remember, tie goes to the runner. I can do close to a full split at 43 years old in men's slow pitch. Practice balance and coordination for success.
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Aug 08, 2006
You can increase you productivity if you are limber. The closer you get the glove to the incoming ball the better. Mere split seconds count. Remember, tie goes to the runner. I can do close to a full split at 43 years old in men's slow pitch. Practice balance and coordination for success.
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Nov 22, 2005
If the batter hits a foul ball, always try to get to the ball, never just let it drop. It could be an out, if you catch it.
