How to Play 1st Base in Softball

Video Transcript

"Hi. My name is Jill Weiss, and I'm going to tell you a little bit about how to play first base. First thing you want to consider is that your first baseman is probably one of the tallest players on the team. They need to be able to catch anything that comes to them, whether it's a low ball, whether it's a high one. They've got to be able to catch the ball. Second, you can be right-handed or you can be left-handed. A lot of first baseman are left-handed, just because it's more convenient. So as far as first base goes, a first baseman needs to be able to field their position, and they also need to be able to catch whatever comes at them. On a bunt, depending on your coach, you're going to have to field those bunts. So you're going to have to move away from first base and be able to field that bunt. Come up. Turn, either- if it's a fast runner, you might have to turn and toss the ball. If you can, with both hands, tag the runner out before they pass the line. Now when they're catching a ball at first base, depending on what position that you're receiving the ball, you've got to kind of set yourself up, the corner of the base. The main thing you want to remember as a first baseman is that you're not interfering with the runner. So as soon as you catch the ball and you've gotten that out, your foot is on the base, you've got to remove your foot. Because if you stay in line with the play and that runner comes in and you make contact, it's automatic interference. And they get another base. So as a first baseman, you've got to be able to catch whatever comes to you, and you've got to be able to field your position, things like that. My name is Jill Weiss, and that's just a little bit about how to play first base."