How to Help My Son Become a Better First Baseman
Playing first base is a vital position in baseball. While some think it's a bit easier than shortstop, second base or center field, the first baseman is involved in nearly every play involving a ground ball to the infield. The first baseman must recognize every situation when the batter comes up and needs to be a dependable receiver when an infielder throws him the ball. The key skills are being able to catch any ball thrown in his direction and to give the infielders an excellent target.
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Instructions
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Teach your son to be very aggressive when playing first base. Prior to every pitch, the first baseman has to assess the situation on the field and has to think of what can happen. He must anticipate that the play will involve him and he has to want to make a play. On any ground ball to the infield that does not involve a force play, the infielder will make a throw to first. He has to provide a target to the infielder and make every attempt to catch the ball.
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Have your son hold the runner on first base without letting him get too big a lead. The first baseman needs to stand next to first base and give a target to the pitcher so he can attempt a pick-off throw if the runner wanders too far off first base. The first baseman must catch the throw and place the tag on the runner.
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Instruct your son to line up all throws from the outfield that are going towards home plate. If there is a runner on second base, the first baseman has to serve as the cut off man on throws home. He needs to line up between the right fielder and the catcher. The catcher will tell him to either let the ball go through or to cut it off and throw to a different base.
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Make sure your youngster understands what to do on bunt plays. If the batter tries to make a sacrifice bunt, it may be in the first baseman's area. He has to charge the ball and decide immediately whether he will throw it to second to get the runner or throw to first to get the batter. This takes practice and the development of baseball instincts.
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Practice the fine art of catching pop ups with your first baseman. The first baseman will be responsible for catching many pop ups that drift off into foul territory. Many of these require superior concentration as the first baseman drifts towards the stands to try to make a play. The first baseman cannot be distracted by coaches or fans who may be in the area.
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