How to Play Defense as a First Baseman

When people think of a first baseman in baseball, they may typically think of a power hitter who has limited defensive ability. They fail to realize all the defensive responsibilities a first baseman has in the game of baseball. When coaching baseball players on how to play first base, there are several defensive responsibilities that must be emphasized.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Communicate with your pitcher constantly. As the first baseman, you can make life much easier for your pitcher. Make sure they know if there is a runner on first base and you will not be covering the base to hold the runner on. You must also let them know if you will charge the ball if there is a bunt to the first base side of the field, or you will cover the base and the pitcher will field that side of the diamond. Another form of communication is to signal to a left handed pitcher if a runner is taking a large lead off second or third base.

2. Call pickoff plays when a runner is on first base. Work with the catcher and pitcher to call different pickoff plays when a runner is on first base. As the first baseman you know what type of lead the runner is taking, and how they react when the pitcher goes into his motion towards the plate.

3. Attempt to get to every ground ball hit on the right side of the infield unless "called off" by the second baseman or the pitcher. After being called off the ball, the first baseman must rush to first base to receive the throw.

4. Back up the catcher and pitcher if there is a play at home plate and a runner is not located at first base. If the runner has progressed to second base, the first baseman should position himself near the backstop behind home plate and be prepared to retrieve a bad throw, or any ball that gets passed by both the catcher and the pitcher.

5. Be a good listener. A lesser known defensive skill is picking up conversations between the first base coach and the runner. If a first baseman can get a clue as to what the batter is doing, such as a hit and run play or a bunt, he should relay this information to the pitcher and catcher.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get to every ball you can on the first base side of the field. Either the pitcher or second baseman can cover first base for you.
• Watch your positioning at first base when taking a throw from another fielder. If you put your food on the bag instead of the edge of it, you are likely to get your foot spiked by the runner.

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